If you’ve ever craved a comforting, satisfying dish that combines hearty beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, then this Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine tender pasta tubes drenched in a savory, rich tomato and beef sauce, all topped off with a golden bubbly blanket of melted cheese—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers warm, homestyle vibes in every bite. Simple ingredients come together in less than an hour to create a dish so comforting you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients! Each one plays a crucial role in layering flavors, textures, and colors, making the Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe genuinely irresistible.
- 12 oz pasta (such as rigatoni, shells, or elbow): Choose a shape that holds onto sauce beautifully for every bite.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty richness and a meaty depth that’s essential to this dish.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a punch of savory warmth that enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce: The saucy base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for a deeper, richer sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A zesty blend that effortlessly ties the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): The simple seasoning that balances and elevates every ingredient.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar): Melts into a gooey, golden topping that defines this baked pasta.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For an extra layer of sharp, nutty flavor.
- Olive oil (for sautéing): Helps soften the onions and garlic while adding a fruity richness.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—salt is key for flavoring the pasta itself. Add your chosen pasta shape and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking perfectly in the oven without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, usually 2 to 3 minutes—this step unlocks sweetness that balances savory meat. Next, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about a minute. Now add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Into the browned beef, stir in the tomato paste, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer gently for around 5 minutes. This simmering melds the flavors together beautifully, creating a rich, savory base for your pasta.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with your luscious meat sauce. Stir it all together so every bite will be luxuriously coated with the sauce, ensuring a perfect flavor and texture balance in every forkful.
Step 5: Bake with Cheese
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a baking dish. Now comes the fun part—sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top. For an extra boost of umami, add the optional grated Parmesan cheese. Pop the dish in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into bubbly, golden perfection.
Step 6: Serve
Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool slightly so the cheese sets and you avoid any burnt tongues! Then scoop out generous portions and get ready to savor this hug-in-a-bowl classic.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a delightful pop of color and a fresh, herbal contrast to the rich pasta. A light sprinkle of chili flakes can also add a pleasant kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
Serve this baked delight alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to brighten the meal. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia makes a perfect bread side to soak up any extra sauce, turning your dinner into a comforting feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, dish out individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins for a beautiful single-serving presentation. Or top each serving with a fried egg or sautéed mushrooms to elevate the texture and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers taste even better!
Freezing
You can freeze leftover baked pasta for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and cover tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of water or sauce if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rigatoni, shells, elbow macaroni, or even penne work beautifully because their shapes capture the meat sauce perfectly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish earlier and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What cheese works best for the topping?
Mozzarella is classic for its melt and stretch, but mixing in cheddar adds a sharper flavor. Parmesan sprinkled on top adds a nice savory finish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like it fiery!
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe is a total game-changer during busy weeknights or slow weekend dinners. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to over and over because it hits all the right notes—comforting, cheesy, and packed with honest flavor. Give it a shot and soon you’ll have a new classic in your meal rotation that’s bound to bring smiles all around the table.
Print
Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and flavorful cheesy baked beef pasta dish featuring tender pasta combined with a rich ground beef marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty family meal ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (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
- 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 package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning into the cooked beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to thoroughly coat the pasta with the meat sauce.
- Bake with Cheese: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and add Parmesan cheese if using. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the baked pasta to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy baked beef pasta!
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer such as rigatoni, shells, or elbow macaroni.
- To reduce saturated fat, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetarian cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley on top before serving enhances the flavor and presentation.
