Description
This Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta combined with savory ground beef simmered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (such as rigatoni, shells, or elbow)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning into the cooked beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce and stir well to evenly coat the pasta.
- Bake with Cheese: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top, and optionally add the grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked pasta cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, comforting meal!
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape – rigatoni, shells, or elbows all work great.
- For a richer flavor, try mixing mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge for convenient assembly later.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
