Okay, friends, gather ’round! Because I’m about to spill the beans on a weeknight dinner game-changer: a seriously delicious Cheesy Pasta Bake with Ground Beef. Forget those gloopy, canned cream-of-whatever soups, we’re doing this the *right* way – from scratch, with all the cheesy, beefy goodness you crave! Seriously, this is comfort food perfection, and the best part? It’s so easy you can whip it up even on the craziest weeknights. I’m talking one-pan wonder, people!
You’ll be blown away by how simple it is to get a hearty, flavorful meal on the table in under an hour. And trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation. So, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pasta Bake with Ground Beef
Okay, so why is this Cheesy Pasta Bake the best thing since, well, sliced bread? Let me tell you!
- Easy Peasy: Seriously, this is a one-pan wonder! Minimal dishes, maximum flavor. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in a flash.
- Kid-Approved (and Adult-Approved!): It’s a crowd-pleaser, folks. Even the pickiest eaters will devour this. My kids go crazy for it!
- Flavor Explosion: We’re talking rich, savory meat sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey, melted cheese. What’s not to love?
- Customizable: Don’t like onions? Leave ’em out! Want to sneak in some veggies? Go for it! This recipe is super flexible.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and pasta are staples, and this recipe stretches them to feed a hungry family. Win-win!
Trust me, this pasta bake is a weeknight lifesaver. You’ll be making it again and again, I guarantee it!
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Delicious Cheesy Pasta Bake
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You won’t believe how simple the shopping list is for this cheesy pasta bake. And the best part? You probably already have a bunch of these in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need, and I’ll give you some insider tips along the way.
Ground Beef and Other Meaty Options
We’re using a pound of ground beef for this recipe, because, well, it’s classic! I usually go for 80/20 because it has just the right amount of fat for flavor, but you can definitely use leaner ground beef if you prefer. Just remember, leaner meat might dry out a bit, so you might want to add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce while it’s browning.
Pro Tip: Want to switch things up? Ground turkey or ground chicken work great too! You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly – turkey and chicken can cook a little faster. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before you add the other ingredients. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try Italian sausage! Yum!
Pasta Selection: Choosing the Right Pasta
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of pasta, and you can absolutely use any shape you like! I usually grab whatever’s in the pantry, but my go-to’s are penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. They all hold the sauce beautifully. You could even use rigatoni, it’s a great option.
Important: Cook your pasta *al dente*! That means it should still have a little bite to it when you take it out of the water. It’ll finish cooking in the oven, and if you overcook it, you’ll end up with a mushy mess. Nobody wants that! Drain it well, and don’t rinse it – the starch helps the sauce cling.
Cheeses for Maximum Flavor in Your Pasta Bake
Okay, cheese lovers, this is where the magic happens! You’ll need 2 cups of shredded cheddar and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. I know, I know, it’s tempting to buy pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but trust me, shredding your own cheese makes a HUGE difference. Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that prevents it from clumping, which also prevents it from melting as beautifully. The flavor is just better when you shred it yourself!
Cheese Swaps: Not a fan of cheddar or mozzarella? No problem! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorites would be amazing. Just make sure you like the flavor profile. I once tried Gruyère in a pinch, and it was *divine*!
Pantry Staples: The Flavor Base
Now, for the flavor base of our pasta bake! This is where those pantry staples come in. You’ll need:
- 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
I usually use canned crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, but if you have fresh tomatoes to spare, go for it! Just make sure to chop them up well. As for the herbs, I love the convenience of dried oregano and basil, but if you have fresh, even better! Use about a tablespoon of each fresh herb, chopped. And don’t be shy with the salt and pepper – season to your taste!
Additional Ingredients
Want to take this Cheesy Pasta Bake to the next level? Add some extra veggies! I often add a chopped onion and a couple of cloves of minced garlic when I’m browning the ground beef. It adds so much flavor! You could also add some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini. Just cook them down a bit with the onion and garlic until they’re softened. Feel free to get creative here!
So there you have it! The ingredients are simple, but the flavor payoff is HUGE. Now, let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Cheesy Pasta Bake with Ground Beef
Alright, are you ready to get this Cheesy Pasta Bake going? Trust me, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
Preparing the Meat Sauce
First up, let’s get that meat sauce simmering! Grab a large skillet and put it over medium-high heat. Add your pound of ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it browns. You want to cook it until it’s completely browned, with no pink left. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Oops! Safety first: Be careful, it splatters! I always keep a lid nearby to prevent any grease from flying all over my kitchen.
If you’re adding onion and garlic, now’s the time! Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. They should start to smell amazing!
Drain That Grease: Okay, this is important! Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. You don’t want a greasy pasta bake! I usually tilt the skillet and carefully spoon out the grease, or you can pour it off into a separate container.
Simmering the Sauce to Perfection
Now it’s time to build those flavors! Pour in your can of crushed tomatoes and your can of tomato sauce. Give it a good stir. Then, add your dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Season to taste – I usually start with about a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, then adjust as I go.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has thickened slightly and smells absolutely incredible.
Assembling the Cheesy Pasta Bake
Okay, time to put it all together! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the sauce is simmering and the oven is preheating, cook your pasta according to package directions. Remember, cook it *al dente*!
When the pasta is cooked, drain it well. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Now, grab your baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but anything similar will work!). Pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish. Sprinkle with half of your shredded cheddar cheese and half of your shredded mozzarella cheese.
Top it with the remaining pasta mixture, and then sprinkle the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. You want a nice, even layer of cheese!
Baking Instructions and Tips
Pop that beautiful Cheesy Pasta Bake into your preheated oven! Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Cheese Tip: If you want the cheese to get extra bubbly and browned, you can broil it for the last minute or two. But watch it carefully, because it can burn quickly!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the pasta bake to set up a bit.
And that’s it! Dinner is served! Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread, and you’re in for a treat!
Equipment You’ll Need
Alright, before we get started, let’s make sure you have all the right tools for the job! Luckily, this Cheesy Pasta Bake doesn’t require a ton of fancy equipment. We’re keeping it simple, folks!
- Large Skillet: You’ll need a large skillet (at least 10-12 inches) to brown your ground beef and cook the sauce. Make sure it has a lid!
- Mixing Spoon: A sturdy spoon for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the sauce. I like a wooden spoon, but anything will do.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: This is the classic size for a pasta bake, but anything similar will work! Just make sure it’s oven-safe.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring out your ingredients, of course!
- Cheese Grater (Optional, but Recommended!): Okay, I know I’ve already harped on this, but if you’re shredding your own cheese (and you should be!), you’ll need a grater. A box grater works great!
- Colander: For draining your cooked pasta.
- Oven Mitts: Because, you know, hot things! Gotta protect those hands!
- Serving Spoon: For scooping up that cheesy goodness!
That’s it! See? Super simple. You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen already. Now, let’s move on to the good stuff!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Cheesy Pasta Bake
Okay, let’s talk about the stars of the show! Sometimes you don’t have *exactly* what the recipe calls for, or maybe you just want to shake things up. That’s totally fine! This pasta bake is super forgiving, and I’m here to help you get creative!
Ground Beef Substitutions
So, we’re using ground beef, but what if you’re not a beef person? Or maybe you just want something a little lighter? No worries! There are plenty of fantastic substitutes that work wonderfully in this cheesy pasta bake.
- Ground Turkey: This is my go-to swap! Ground turkey has a milder flavor than beef, so you might want to add a little extra seasoning to compensate. It cooks up pretty much the same way as ground beef.
- Ground Chicken: Similar to turkey, ground chicken is a great, lean alternative. Again, season it well!
- Italian Sausage: Ooh, now we’re talking! Using Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on your preference!) adds tons of flavor. Just make sure to remove the sausage from the casings before browning it. You might want to drain off a little extra grease, too, because sausage can be pretty fatty.
- Beyond Meat/Plant-Based Crumbles: If you’re going vegetarian or vegan, these work great! Follow the package directions for cooking. You might need to add a little extra oil to the skillet, since these don’t have the fat that meat does.
Heads Up: Cooking times might vary slightly depending on the meat you choose. Always make sure your meat is cooked through before adding the other ingredients. You don’t want to get sick!
Pasta Swaps
We already talked about pasta shapes, but what about the type of pasta? Well, the great thing about this easy dinner recipe is that you can use almost anything! The main thing is to pick a pasta that you enjoy. The shape will affect the texture, so keep that in mind.
- Penne, Rotini, or Cavatappi: These are all great choices for holding the sauce. Penne and rotini are classic for a reason! Cavatappi is a fun, corkscrew shape that’s super cute and holds the sauce well.
- Elbow Macaroni: A childhood favorite! Elbow macaroni is perfect for a classic, comforting pasta bake.
- Rigatoni: Similar to penne, but with ridges on the outside. The ridges hold the sauce beautifully!
- Lasagna Noodles: Okay, you *can* use lasagna noodles, but you’ll need to break them into smaller pieces before cooking. Or, you can layer the bake like a traditional lasagna.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Yup, you can totally make this gluten-free! Just make sure to cook your gluten-free pasta *al dente* because it can get mushy pretty easily.
Tip: If you’re using a different type of pasta, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Always cook your pasta *al dente*!
Cheese Alternatives
Cheese is a MUST in a cheesy pasta bake, right?! While cheddar and mozzarella are the stars here, you can definitely experiment with different cheeses! Here are some ideas:
- Monterey Jack: This is a great melting cheese, with a mild flavor. It’s a good substitute for mozzarella.
- Colby: Similar to cheddar, but slightly milder.
- Provolone: A semi-hard cheese with a slightly tangy flavor. It melts beautifully!
- Fontina: This cheese has a nutty, earthy flavor that complements the beef and tomato sauce.
- A Blend of Cheeses: Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Try a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, or even add a little Parmesan for extra flavor.
Important: When using different cheeses, keep in mind how they melt. Some cheeses melt better than others. Always shred your own cheese for the best results!
So there you have it! Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different ingredients. This cheesy pasta bake is all about making it your own!
Tips for Success: Achieving the Best Cheesy Pasta Bake
Okay, so you’ve got your ingredients, you’ve got your skillet, and you’re ready to make the best Cheesy Pasta Bake ever! But wait, here are a few extra tips to make sure your easy dinner recipe is absolutely perfect. Trust me, these little tricks make a big difference!
Preventing a Soggy Pasta Bake
Nobody wants a soggy pasta bake! It’s the worst. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent that. The key is to avoid adding too much liquid and to cook your pasta *al dente*.
- Cook the Pasta Properly: I can’t stress this enough! Cook your pasta *al dente*. It’ll finish cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it to be mushy before it even goes in.
- Drain the Pasta Well: After you drain your pasta, give it a good shake to get rid of any excess water. You don’t want extra water in the bake!
- Don’t Over-Sauce It: While you want a good amount of sauce, you don’t want to drown the pasta. Make sure your sauce has thickened up a bit during the simmering process, so it’s not too watery.
- Let it Rest: Once the pasta bake comes out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before you dig in. This allows the bake to set up a bit, and it prevents the bottom from getting too soggy.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a perfectly textured pasta bake every time!
Getting the Right Cheese Melt
Gooey, bubbly cheese is the holy grail of a cheesy pasta bake, right? Here’s how to get that perfect melt:
- Shred Your Own Cheese: I know, I know, I sound like a broken record! But seriously, shredding your own cheese is KEY. Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that prevents it from melting as well.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your pasta bake! You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, but you don’t want it to burn.
- Broil for Extra Brownness: For the last minute or two of baking, you can place the pasta bake under the broiler to get the cheese extra browned and bubbly. Just watch it carefully, because it can burn quickly!
- Use the Right Cheese Temperatures: If you’re using cheeses that are hard and cold, let your cheese sit out for a few minutes before shredding. This allows the cheese to soften slightly, which will help it melt more evenly.
Follow these tips, and your cheesy pasta bake will be a cheese-pulling dream!
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste as you go! The beauty of this easy dinner recipe is that you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. Here’s how:
- Taste the Sauce: Before you assemble the pasta bake, taste the meat sauce! This is your chance to adjust the seasonings. Add more salt, pepper, oregano, or basil to taste.
- Consider the Cheese: Some cheeses, like Parmesan, are naturally salty. Keep this in mind when you’re seasoning the sauce. You might need less salt overall.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while it’s simmering. You can also add a dash of hot sauce after baking.
- Fresh Herbs are Best: If you’re using fresh herbs, add them at the end of the simmering process. This will help preserve their flavor.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Seasoning is all about personal preference! Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Maybe a pinch of garlic powder? A dash of onion powder? Go for it!
With these tips, you’ll be able to create a Cheesy Pasta Bake that’s perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Dinner Recipe
So, you’ve got this amazing Cheesy Pasta Bake, and the aroma is filling your kitchen… Now what?! Well, you need some awesome sides to go with it, of course! Luckily, this hearty dish goes with just about anything, but here are a few suggestions to take your meal from good to *glorious*!
- Salad, Salad, Salad! Seriously, a fresh, crisp salad is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the pasta bake. I love a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The bright flavors cut through the cheese and meat like a dream! A Caesar salad would also be amazing!
- Garlic Bread, Always! You can never go wrong with garlic bread! It’s classic comfort food and perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. I usually just buy some pre-made garlic bread, but you can totally make your own from scratch!
- Steamed or Roasted Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or even some simple green beans are all fantastic choices. They add some color and nutrients to the meal.
- Crusty Bread: If you’re not a garlic bread person, grab a baguette or some other crusty bread. Perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce! You won’t regret it.
- A Glass of Wine (Optional, but Recommended!): Okay, this is for the adults! A nice glass of red wine, like a Chianti or a Merlot, pairs beautifully with this pasta bake. It enhances all the flavors!
- Garnish it Up! Don’t forget the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of ricotta cheese can make your plate look extra special.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless! The most important thing is to pick sides that you enjoy. Have fun with it, and enjoy this easy dinner recipe!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Cheesy Pasta Bake, and you’ve got leftovers! First of all, congratulations! That means you made enough to share (or enjoy for lunch tomorrow – no judgment here!). Here’s how to store and reheat your deliciousness so you can savor every last bite.
Storing Leftovers in the Fridge
Storing your easy dinner recipe in the fridge is super simple. Here’s what I do:
- Let it Cool: Before you even *think* about putting it in the fridge, let your pasta bake cool down a bit. You don’t want to trap a bunch of steam in the container, which can make it soggy. I usually let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Cover it Up: Once it’s cooled down, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. You can use a plastic container, a glass container, or even cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure it’s sealed tightly!
- Refrigerate: Pop that container in the fridge! Leftovers will last for about 3-4 days.
Easy peasy, right? Now, let’s talk about reheating!
Reheating Your Cheesy Pasta Bake
So, you’re ready for round two (or three, or four!) of this amazing cheesy pasta bake. Here are a few ways to reheat it:
- In the Oven: This is my favorite method! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil (or, if you’re using a container, transfer the leftovers to an oven-safe dish). Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly again.
- In the Microwave: This is the quickest option! Place a portion of the pasta bake in a microwave-safe dish. Reheat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful, it can get hot quickly, and the cheese might not be as bubbly as with the oven method.
- On the Stovetop: Transfer the pasta bake to a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a little extra tomato sauce to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through.
No matter which method you choose, you’ll be enjoying that cheesy, beefy goodness again in no time!
Freezing Your Pasta Bake
Want to make this easy dinner recipe ahead of time? You totally can freeze it! Here’s how:
- Assemble and Cool: Make the pasta bake according to the recipe, but *don’t* bake it. Let it cool completely.
- Wrap it Up: Wrap the unbaked pasta bake tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze: Place the wrapped pasta bake in the freezer. It will last for up to 2-3 months.
- To Bake: When you’re ready to eat, thaw the pasta bake in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed in the recipe. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s still a little cold in the center.
- Baked Bake: You can also freeze *baked* pasta bake. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping and freezing, just like the unbaked method. Then, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezing this pasta bake is a great way to have a delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it! I always make a double batch and freeze one for those busy weeknights.
So, there you have it! Storage and reheating made easy. Now go forth and enjoy those leftovers (if there are any!)
FAQ: Answering Your Questions About Pasta Bakes
Okay, I know you probably have a million questions about this Cheesy Pasta Bake, so let’s get some answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about pasta bakes in general. Hopefully, these will help you on your culinary journey!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta bake is a great make-ahead meal. You have a couple of options:
- Assemble and Refrigerate: You can assemble the entire pasta bake (pasta, meat sauce, and cheese) and store it in the refrigerator, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure it’s heated through.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: You can make the meat sauce a day or two in advance! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the pasta bake, just cook the pasta, assemble, and bake!
Making it ahead is a total lifesaver on busy weeknights! You’ll thank yourself later, I promise.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients?
Don’t sweat it! Pasta bakes are super adaptable. Here are some common ingredient substitutions:
- No Ground Beef? Use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage! See the “Ingredient Notes and Substitutions” section above for more details.
- No Cheddar/Mozzarella? Use any cheese you like! Monterey Jack, Colby, provolone, or a blend of your favorites will work great.
- No Crushed Tomatoes? Use diced tomatoes, or even a can of whole tomatoes (just crush them with your hands or a spoon).
- No Tomato Sauce? You can add more crushed tomatoes or use tomato paste (thin it out with a little water).
- No Fresh Herbs? Use dried herbs instead (see the “Ingredients” section for measurements).
The key is to use what you have and adjust the seasonings to your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
How can I make this spicier?
Love a little heat? Me too! Here’s how to kick up the spice level:
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch (or a generous pinch!) of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while it’s simmering.
- Hot Sausage: Use hot Italian sausage instead of regular ground beef.
- Chili Powder: Add a teaspoon or two of chili powder to the meat sauce.
- Hot Sauce: After baking, drizzle some hot sauce over the top before serving.
- Jalapeños: Add some diced jalapeños to the meat sauce while it’s simmering or add pickled jalapeños before baking
Start with a little and add more to taste. You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!
Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yep! This cheesy pasta bake freezes beautifully! Check out the “Storage and Reheating Instructions” section above for all the details. In a nutshell:
- Unbaked: Assemble the pasta bake (but don’t bake it). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Baked: Bake the pasta bake as directed. Let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezing is a fantastic way to have a delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it! I always make extra and freeze one for those busy nights!
Hopefully, that answered all your burning questions! If you have any others, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Okay, I’m no dietitian, so this is just an estimate, friends! But, you know, it’s always good to have a general idea of what you’re eating. The nutritional information below is based on one serving of this Cheesy Pasta Bake with Ground Beef. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, and the size of your serving.
I plugged all the ingredients into a nutritional calculator (I love those things!), and here’s what it spat out:
- Calories: Around 450
- Total Fat: About 25g
- Saturated Fat: Roughly 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: About 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g (Yay!)
- Carbohydrates: Around 35g
- Fiber: About 5g
- Protein: Roughly 25g
- Sugar: About 8g
- Sodium: Around 600mg (This is where you can make a difference! Use less salt when cooking!)
Important Disclaimer: These are just estimates! If you’re tracking your macros or have specific dietary needs, it’s always best to calculate the nutritional information using the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use. There are tons of online calculators out there that can help!
But hey, even with those numbers, this easy dinner recipe is still a pretty balanced meal! You’re getting protein, carbs, and, let’s be honest, a good dose of cheesy deliciousness! Enjoy!
Alright, friends, you’ve made it to the end! You’ve successfully created a truly amazing Cheesy Pasta Bake with Ground Beef, and I’m so excited for you! I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do.
Now, I want to hear all about it! Did you make any swaps? Did you add extra veggies? How did it turn out? Please, please, *please* leave a comment below and let me know! I love reading your feedback, and it helps me (and other readers!) so much. Rate the recipe too – every star counts!
And hey, if you loved this easy dinner recipe, spread the love! Share this post on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or wherever you hang out online! Tag me (if you want!), I’d love to see your creations! Use the hashtag #CheesyPastaBake or #nomorecreamsoup (or whatever hashtag you want!). Let’s get the word out about this delicious, easy, and family-friendly meal!
Happy cooking, everyone! Can’t wait to see your pictures and hear your stories!
Print
Unbelievably Good Cheesy Pasta Bake With Ground Beef!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting cheesy pasta bake with ground beef, made without cream soup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta, cooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cooked pasta with meat sauce.
- Pour half of the pasta mixture into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Top with remaining pasta mixture and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese.
- For a spicier bake, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cheesy Pasta Bake with Ground Beef, Easy Dinner Recipes, Pasta Bakes







