Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser that combines the hearty flavors of beef, pasta, and cheese. It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to family dinners and can be easily prepared in one go. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you crave a delicious meal that satisfies.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and cooked pasta, mixing well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake
Serve the Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake hot from the oven. It goes well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for added flavor and color.
How to Store Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
Tips to Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake
- Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer or have on hand.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to make it even more nutritious.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking.
Variation
You can easily make this dish lighter by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap the marinara sauce for alfredo sauce for a creamy version.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works just as well in this recipe.
3. What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
You can use any tomato-based sauce or even make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs.
Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or rotini) Choose your preferred type of pasta.
- 2 cups marinara sauce You can substitute with any tomato-based sauce.
- 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar) Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
Assembly
- Stir in the marinara sauce and cooked pasta, mixing well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
Baking
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.