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
Scale
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.
