« `html
The Ultimate Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Bake
Picture this: a chilly evening, the aroma of bubbling tomato and meat sauce filling your kitchen, and a golden-brown, cheesy casserole emerging from the oven. That, my friends, is the magic of the perfect Ground Beef Pasta Bake. It’s the ultimate comfort food classic, a dish that whispers « cozy » with every bite. If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the fridge wondering « what’s for dinner? » with a pound of ground beef on hand, this recipe is your delicious answer.
Forget bland, dry casseroles. Our version is a gloriously creamy, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satisfying family-friendly ground beef recipe that delivers on all fronts. This isn’t just another hamburger pasta bake; it’s the go-to, no-fail ground beef pasta bake that your family will ask for again and again. Get ready for cheesy, savory perfection!
Why This Recipe Works (And Why You’ll Love It!)
This Ground Beef Pasta Bake recipe isn’t just easy; it’s engineered for success and pure enjoyment. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It perfectly combines savory beef and noodle casserole with tender pasta and an irresistible layer of gooey, melted cheese. It’s the definition of a comfort food casserole.
- Weeknight Wonder: Designed to be an easy ground beef pasta bake, it’s simple to assemble and ready to bake in minutes, making it ideal for even the busiest weeknights. A true quick pasta bake!
- Family-Friendly Favorite: This baked penne with ground beef (or your favorite pasta!) is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will happily devour.
- Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep! You can easily make-ahead this pasta casserole over the weekend or freeze a batch for convenient future dinners, making it a true freezer-friendly pasta bake.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Using simple, wholesome ingredients, we build a rich, deep flavor profile that tastes like it simmered for hours, thanks to our creamy ground beef pasta sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the best ground beef casserole starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather for this tomato pasta bake with ground beef:
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound Penne Pasta: We love penne because its ridges and hollow center perfectly capture the creamy meat sauce. Feel free to use alternatives like ziti, rigatoni, or even rotini for this ground beef ziti bake.
- 1 tablespoon Salt: Essential for properly seasoning your pasta water, which is key for a flavorful final dish.
For the Cheesy Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 85/15 or 90/10 fat content. This minimizes the need for draining, keeping cleanup easier. If using higher fat, remember to drain excess grease after browning.
- 1 Yellow Onion: Finely chopped, it provides a crucial aromatic base.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Minced, for that indispensable fragrant punch.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes: Undrained, these add texture and a bright tomato flavor. For an extra layer of flavor, try fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- 1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce or 24 oz jar Marinara: Tomato sauce offers a rich, smooth base. If using a jarred marinara, you might need to adjust seasonings slightly.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream or 4 oz Cream Cheese: This is the secret to our « creamy » ground beef pasta. Heavy cream offers richness, while softened cream cheese delivers a velvety texture. Add it at the end, after the sauce has simmered.
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic herbs for an authentic taste.
- 1 teaspoon Salt & 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Basic seasonings, taste and adjust as needed.
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little kick!
- 2 Green Onions: Sliced, for a mild onion flavor mixed into the sauce and for garnish.
For the Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups Low-Moisture, Whole-Milk Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded from a block for the best melting and that classic pasta bake with mozzarella cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar or Grated Parmesan Cheese: For an extra layer of sharp or nutty flavor complexity.
Step-by-Step Instructions (How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Bake)
Get ready to create the best creamy ground beef pasta bake with these simple, clear steps. Imagine beautiful photos accompanying each stage on your screen!
1. Prepare the Pasta
In a large pot of heavily salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package directions, but for 1-2 minutes less than al dente. This crucial step prevents a mushy final product, as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped yellow onion. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks until no longer pink. If using higher fat ground beef, carefully drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce
To the skillet with the beef, stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Reduce the heat further and stir in the heavy cream or softened cream cheese until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is wonderfully creamy.
4. Combine and Assemble
Add the cooked, slightly undercooked pasta and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar/Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the creamy meat sauce. Stir gently until everything is well-combined and coated. Pour the entire mixture evenly into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake to Perfection
Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar/Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted, golden brown, and delightfully bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your cheesy ground beef pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the casserole to set up slightly, making it much easier to scoop and serve. Garnish with fresh sliced green onions or chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your baked pasta with meat sauce!
Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Bake
Elevate your ground beef pasta bake from good to absolutely unforgettable with these expert tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: This is arguably the most important tip. The pasta finishes cooking in the oven, so pulling it from the water when it’s still slightly firm, almost crunchy, is crucial for preventing a mushy final texture.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that prevent them from melting as smoothly and achieving that perfect gooey cheese pull. Shredding from a block makes a noticeable difference in your pasta bake with mozzarella.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your meat sauce before combining it with the pasta. It might need an extra pinch of salt, more pepper, or a dash of red pepper flakes to perfectly suit your palate.
- Use a Large Enough Pan: Ensure your skillet for the sauce and your baking dish are sufficiently large to avoid spills and allow for easy stirring and an even bake.
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about a weeknight pasta bake recipe is its versatility. Feel free to make this recipe your own!
- Change the Meat: For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. For a spicier twist, try Italian sausage (mild or hot), removed from its casing.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition and flavor! Sauté finely diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the onions. Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the very end of the sauce cooking time until wilted.
- Make it Spicy: For a delightful kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning to your tomato pasta bake with ground beef.
- Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, experiment with a blend of other cheeses. Provolone, smoked gouda, fontina, or even a four-cheese Italian blend can add unique flavor profiles to your cheesy ground beef pasta bake.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
This easy ground beef pasta bake is a dream for meal prep and future meals!
How to Make Ahead
You can assemble the entire ground beef pasta casserole (without baking it) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge 30 minutes prior to baking, then bake as directed, potentially adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the baked penne with ground beef to cool completely before transferring any leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This is great for leftover ground beef ideas!
How to Freeze Pasta Bake
Assemble the quick pasta bake in a freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pasta, then a layer of aluminum foil. Label with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months. You can bake it from frozen (adding about 45-60 minutes to the baking time, covered for the first half), or thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.
How to Reheat
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For an entire casserole, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered loosely with foil, until heated through (about 20-30 minutes). Uncover for the last few minutes if you want the cheese to re-crisp.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Pasta Bake
This hearty ground beef pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh side dishes to cut through the richness:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Warm, cheesy garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of delicious sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like fresh broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I cover pasta bake when baking?
Generally, you should bake your ground beef pasta bake uncovered. This allows the cheese on top to melt, bubble, and turn a beautiful golden brown. If you notice the cheese browning too quickly before the casserole is heated through, you can loosely tent it with foil for part of the baking time.
How do you keep ground beef pasta bake from being dry?
The key to a moist ground beef pasta casserole is having enough sauce to coat the pasta generously. This creamy ground beef pasta bake recipe is specifically designed with a rich, flavorful, and ample sauce to prevent dryness. Additionally, remember not to overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to absorb liquid in the oven.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and ziti are classic choices for a ground beef ziti bake, almost any short, sturdy pasta shape works well. Rigatoni, rotini, medium shells, or even elbow macaroni can trap the delicious meat sauce effectively.
What’s the best cheese for a pasta bake?
For that perfect, stretchy cheese pull, low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella is often considered the best. Blending it with a more flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar, provolone, or grated Parmesan adds depth and complexity to your pasta bake with mozzarella.
Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Yes, you can certainly simplify this recipe by using a 24-ounce jar of your favorite high-quality marinara sauce in place of the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning) as needed, as jarred sauces vary greatly in flavor and sodium content.
The Best Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
Below, you’ll find the complete, printable recipe card for this incredible ground beef pasta bake. It includes all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information to make your cooking experience a breeze. Get ready to enjoy the best ground beef casserole!
« `
For more daily recipes and tips, follow us on Facebook!
Click here to join our community!