This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for pasta and cheese lovers. Tender pasta is layered with savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a hearty family dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
- Add the garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with some mozzarella and cheddar.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture and cover generously with the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Scoop out a generous portion and enjoy the cheesy layers while hot.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American-inspired Italian comfort food
SEO Title
Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake – Easy Cheesy Family Dinner
Meta Description
This cheesy beef pasta bake combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese for an easy, comforting family dinner.