If you are craving a comfort meal that combines hearty flavors with gooey, melty cheese, this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully satisfying dish featuring tender pasta enveloped in a savory, spiced ground beef tomato sauce, all topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping cozy on any night, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into a luscious, crowd-pleasing dinner that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this dish is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the perfectly al dente pasta to the aromatic spices and a generous blanket of cheese, every element enhances the final bake.
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (rigatoni, shells, or any short pasta): Holds sauce beautifully while providing a satisfying bite.
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and texture essential to the dish.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: A fragrant punch that awakens the savory notes.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Forms the smooth, tangy base of the sauce.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of fresh tomato flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses classic Italian character.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky undertone.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or any melting cheese): Creates that irresistible gooey, melty cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the cheesy topping.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and flavorful with fresh herbal notes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, adding mild richness.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a large casserole dish so everything won’t stick later. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until just al dente. This slight firmness is key as it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy after baking. Drain it well and set aside to cool slightly while you move on to the sauce preparation.
Step 2: Brown the Beef with Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and their fragrances fill your kitchen, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This step builds the hearty base flavor and creates a juicy meat mixture that’s essential for the pasta bake.
Step 3: Create the Savory Tomato Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, letting the herbs fully develop and the sauce thicken slightly. This simmering step melds the flavors beautifully, making every bite flavorful and comforting.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer the cooked pasta to a big mixing bowl and pour the beef-tomato mixture over it. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the luscious sauce. This combination will turn into that irresistible cheesy bake with bursts of meaty, tomatoey goodness.
Step 5: Layer and Bake Your Pasta
In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella and a little Parmesan cheese over this layer for that perfect cheese pull. Add the remaining pasta on top, then finish it off with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden, melty, and bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing by this point!
Step 6: Garnish and Cool Slightly
Once out of the oven, allow the pasta bake to cool gently for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This final touch adds a fresh, herbaceous pop and a lovely burst of green that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese. If you want to get fancy, add a few red chili flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for extra aroma and slight heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh salads such as a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also wonderful companions that help scoop up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner, serve the bake straight from the casserole dish at the table to encourage everyone to dig in together. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a sprig of parsley and a dusting of Parmesan for a more elegant presentation when entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe will keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making leftovers even more delicious on day two.
Freezing
This pasta bake freezes exceptionally well for up to 2 months. Freeze it before baking, tightly wrapped with foil and a layer of plastic wrap, or freeze portions after baking for convenient future meals. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works too for speed but can sometimes make the pasta a bit softer.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Short pasta like rigatoni, shells, penne, or even elbow macaroni work best, as they hold onto the sauce nicely. Just make sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
What cheeses can I substitute for mozzarella and Parmesan?
You can try cheddar, provolone, or gouda for meltiness, and pecorino or Asiago can be used instead of Parmesan for a different sharp kick. Just be careful to use a good melting cheese for that gorgeous bubbly top.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with lentils, chopped mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat alternatives for a similarly hearty texture without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe?
It’s mild by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or hot paprika if you prefer some heat. The paprika adds warmth without overwhelming spice.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble everything the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed because of the chill.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings people together through its hearty, comforting flavors and irresistible cheesy goodness. It’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your own kitchen!
Print
Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender pasta with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce, all topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked casserole offers rich flavors enhanced by Italian seasoning and paprika, finished with a fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (rigatoni, shells, or any short pasta)
Beef Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or any melting cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large casserole or baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, then drain excess grease.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Seasoning: Stir tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato sauce mixture until the pasta is fully coated.
- Assemble Bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the shredded mozzarella cheese and some Parmesan cheese over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh herbaceous note.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- Use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells – choose your favorite shape.
- Make sure the pasta is al dente to avoid it becoming mushy after baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated well.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for variation.
