Introduction
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Mushroom Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort-food dinner! Tender penne pasta is tossed with seasoned ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a rich tomato-cream sauce, then topped with plenty of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Pasta
12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
1 tablespoon salt, for the pasta water
For the Beef & Mushroom Sauce
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup marinara or pasta sauce
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For the Cheese Topping
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta well and set aside. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are soft.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Stir well so the seasonings coat the beef and vegetables.
Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream.
Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to become slightly thicker.
If the sauce looks too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water.
Add the cooked penne directly to the skillet.
Gently toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy beef and mushroom sauce.
Spread the pasta evenly in the skillet.
Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly over the top.
For an extra cheesy finish, add a little additional mozzarella.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for approximately 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
For a beautifully golden top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pasta rest for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve hot while the cheese is still melted and stretchy!
Pro Tips
Don’t overcook the pasta. Cooking it until al dente prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
Brown the mushrooms well for a deeper, richer flavor.
Drain excess grease from the beef if needed before adding the sauce.
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts especially well.
For an extra creamy casserole, add another ¼ cup of heavy cream.
Let the finished pasta rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.
Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy pasta bake with:
Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Steamed broccoli
Roasted vegetables
A simple green salad
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
ReheatingReheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. Add a small splash of water, milk, or cream before reheating if the pasta has become dry.
For larger portions, reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Final Result
Creamy sauce, seasoned ground beef, tender mushrooms, perfectly cooked penne, and a golden layer of bubbling cheese—this Cheesy Ground Beef & Mushroom Pasta Bake is an easy, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love! 🍝🧀🔥