Description
This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake is a deliciously comforting dish featuring tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines hearty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta (your choice, preferably penne or rotini)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt).
- Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, drizzling with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until well coated with the sauce.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve some for topping if desired) until melted and combined (about 2-3 minutes).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle reserved cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the pasta type or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes