Beefy Cheesy Pasta Bake

This Beefy Cheesy Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food—featuring tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy & Satisfying – Loaded with layers of melty cheese.
• Simple & Quick – Easy prep with common pantry ingredients.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for leftovers and freezer-friendly.
• Customizable – Adjust the seasonings, swap the protein, or add veggies.
• Feeds a Crowd – Makes a big batch, ideal for family dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta & Beef:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
• ½ tsp basil
• ½ tsp oregano

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For Topping:

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

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook the Pasta

• Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef, breaking it up while cooking until browned.
• Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

4. Make the Sauce

• Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
• Stir in sugar, basil, and oregano.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until smooth.

6. Assemble the Pasta Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the meat sauce.
• Layer half the cooked pasta, then spread the cheese mixture evenly.
• Add the rest of the pasta and top with remaining sauce.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake Until Golden

• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8. Serve & Enjoy

• Let rest for 5-10 minutes, then serve warm!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Cheesy Upgrade – Add cheddar or provolone for extra richness.
• Low-Carb Option – Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Different Protein – Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (cover tightly with foil).
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the pasta and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Yes! Use 3 cups of your favorite marinara instead of homemade sauce.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold sauce best.

Can I skip ricotta cheese?

Yes! Try cottage cheese or more mozzarella instead.

How do I prevent a watery pasta bake?

Drain pasta well and simmer the sauce longer to thicken.

What’s the best side dish for this?

Try garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too.

How do I make this extra cheesy?

Add extra layers of mozzarella or a cheese blend.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding cheese in the last 30 minutes.

Can I add bacon?

Absolutely! Crispy bacon bits add a smoky touch.

Conclusion

This Beefy Cheesy Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal!

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