Hearty Beefy Cheesy Pasta Bake Recipe: Comfort on a Plate

Pasta dreams come alive with this mouthwatering beefy cheesy pasta bake that promises comfort in every single bite.

Layers of rich flavors meld together like a culinary symphony.

Hearty ground beef mingles with melted cheese, creating a dish that screams pure indulgence.

Nested under a golden, crispy top, each forkful delivers maximum satisfaction.

Weeknight meals never looked so tempting with this simple yet incredible recipe.

Comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely swoon over this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

You can’t help but fall in love with every single cheesy, beefy spoonful.

How to Bake This Cheesy Pasta Dish at Home

Step 1: Boil the Liquid Gold

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil, creating a bubbling cauldron of deliciousness.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

• Pasta (your favorite shape)

Slide the pasta into the boiling water and cook until it’s just shy of fully done. You want a slight firmness that’ll let the pasta finish cooking in the oven’s warm embrace.

Step 3: Prepare the Meaty Base

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, letting the meat develop a rich, golden crust.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Symphony

• Tomato sauce
• Italian herbs
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef. Sprinkle in Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if you’re craving a little kick. Let the sauce simmer and meld the flavors together.

Step 5: Combine and Layer

Drain the pasta and mix it directly into the beef sauce. Transfer this mouthwatering mixture to a baking dish.

Step 6: Cheese Cascade

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Cheddar cheese

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan
• Cheddar

Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated oven. Bake until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece with crispy edges.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to intensify. Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Pro Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Layers of Flavor

• Perfectly Salt the Water: Add about 1 tablespoon of salt per pound of pasta to enhance overall flavor and season the noodles from within.
• Nail the Al Dente Texture: Remove pasta from boiling water 1-2 minutes before package instructions to prevent overcooking, ensuring a perfect bite in the final baked dish.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options, and use lean ground beef or plant-based meat alternatives for different nutritional profiles.
• Prevent Soggy Pasta Syndrome: Let pasta cool slightly after draining to reduce excess moisture, which helps maintain a crispy top and prevents a watery casserole.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Mix different cheese types like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex, creamy flavor that creates an irresistible golden-brown crust.

Store and Reheat Beefy Pasta Bake Without Drying

• Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Let the dish reach room temperature before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Warm the pasta bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintaining its cheesy, melty texture.
• Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra marinara sauce before reheating to restore the dish's original creamy consistency.

What Goes Well with Beefy Cheesy Pasta Bake

• Choose a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that stands up to the rich, meaty pasta bake, complementing its hearty flavors with deep, complex notes.
• Create a light, zesty side salad with mixed greens, fresh parsley, basil, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Prepare crispy, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture that perfectly complements the pasta bake.
• Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil and herbs to add a caramelized, nutritious side that balances the pasta's indulgence.

Twists to Try with This Pasta Bake Classic

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap traditional wheat pasta with rice, quinoa, or corn-based pasta for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans to create a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Substitute: Utilize nutritional yeast, cashew cheese, or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs for Beefy Cheesy Pasta Bake Fans

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with similar shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti that hold sauce well and have a similar cooking time.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like lentils, crumbled tofu, or vegetarian meat crumbles to maintain a similar protein content and texture.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive ground meat like ground turkey or chicken, and look for sales on cheese and pasta to reduce overall cost. Buying ingredients in bulk can also help save money.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the pasta bake in advance and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Beefy Cheesy Pasta Bake Is a Weeknight Winner

• Packed with cheesy goodness and meaty flavors, this dish delivers ultimate satisfaction that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• The combination of pasta, beef, and melted cheese creates a universally loved meal that satisfies both picky eaters and hungry adults.
• Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Beefy Cheesy Pasta Bake

• Pasta: Hearty base for the dish, choose a shape that holds sauce well like penne or rigatoni.
• Salted Water: Essential for cooking pasta with proper seasoning and flavor.

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that adds deep savory flavor to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, creamy cheeses that create a gooey, golden topping and provide rich flavor, select sharp cheddar for more intense taste.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, creamy sauce and adds richness to the dish.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to balance and elevate the taste.
• Dried Herbs (like Oregano or Basil): Provides classic Italian-inspired flavor notes.
• Tomato Sauce or Marinara: Creates a saucy base that binds the pasta and meat together.

Beefy Cheesy Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Beefy Cheesy Pasta Bake delivers comfort straight from Italian-inspired kitchens, blending rich ground beef with melted cheese and perfectly cooked pasta. Comfort flows through each savory bite, inviting you to savor a satisfying meal that warms hearts and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340g) penne, rigatoni, or ziti pasta

Cheese:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 egg

Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water and generously salt it, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add pasta to the bubbling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the noodles are slightly firm with a hint of resistance when bitten.
3. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, gently shaking to remove excess moisture, and transfer to a waiting mixing bowl.
4. In a separate skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles and ensuring no pink remains.
5. Sprinkle dried herbs and seasonings over the sizzling meat, stirring to distribute the aromatic spices evenly throughout the beef.
6. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat, allowing the flavors to meld and simmer for several minutes.
7. Combine the seasoned meat sauce with the drained pasta, mixing thoroughly to coat each noodle with rich, savory sauce.
8. Transfer the pasta and meat mixture to a prepared baking dish, creating an even layer across the surface.
9. Generously scatter shredded cheese over the top, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, melted finish.
10. Place the assembled dish in a preheated oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, slightly crisp golden blanket.
11. Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Salt the water generously to enhance pasta flavor and season it from within.
• Cook pasta slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during final baking process.
• Use hearty pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne that hold sauce and cheese well.
• Consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg