Are you ready to indulge in a comforting dish that combines the best of Italian flavors with the heartiness of a home-cooked meal? Meet the Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake—a delightful fusion of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese that will have your family begging for seconds! With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering. Dive into this cheesy goodness and discover how easy it is to create a meal that warms both the heart and the soul!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain excess fat from the skillet. Season the beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the beef and marinara mixture. Gently stir to ensure pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta, covering the entire surface.
- Finish by evenly distributing grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly with slight golden browning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This will help prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Choose Quality Marinara Sauce: Opt for a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. You can even make your own if you have the time!
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allow the pasta bake to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This will help the layers set and make serving easier.
- Garnish for Presentation: For a pop of color and freshness, garnish your dish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
