If there’s one recipe that always delivers comfort, flavor, and that irresistible cheesy factor, it’s Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta. This is the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the table—bubbling with melted cheese, loaded with hearty beef, and studded with tender pasta. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a laid-back get-together with friends, you can’t go wrong with this homestyle classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what makes this potluck superstar tick! Every ingredient in Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta is chosen for maximum flavor, from the richness of the beef and marinara to the oozy mozzarella. No fancy extras—just honest, pantry staples coming together for pasta perfection.
- Ground beef: Provides heartiness and a savory, meaty base that sets the whole dish up for success.
- Pasta (penne or rigatoni): Pick a sturdy shape to hold up in the oven and catch every drop of sauce and gooey cheese.
- Olive oil: A glug helps soften the onion and garlic while adding a little richness.
- Onion (chopped): Boosts sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a punchy aroma and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Marinara sauce: The saucy backbone, offering tang, tomatoes, and herbs all in one jar.
- Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that gives the sauce its signature flavor.
- Dried basil: Adds a sweet, peppery warmth that’s unmistakable in baked pasta.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a whisper of gentle heat.
- Salt and black pepper: Always season to taste to bring out all the best flavors.
- Ricotta cheese: Makes the casserole creamy, balancing the boldness of the beef and sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The all-important goo factor and that golden melt on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty kick that ties everything together.
- Fresh parsley (optional): An optional but recommended sprinkle for freshness and eye-catching color.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start things off by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your penne or rigatoni and cook until the pasta is just shy of al dente—it will finish cooking in the oven, so you want a tender-but-firm bite. Drain well and set aside, resisting the urge to overcook.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and let it sizzle for about three to four minutes until translucent and fragrant. Toss in the garlic and sauté just until the kitchen is perfumed, about a minute longer, so you don’t burn it.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef directly to the skillet. Use your spoon to break it apart and cook until no pink remains. This step builds that foundational flavor and texture for Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta. Once it’s browned, drain any extra grease so things don’t get heavy.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in your favorite jarred marinara, followed by oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you like things spicy), and a sprinkle each of salt and black pepper. Let the whole skillet bubble gently for five to seven minutes. This brings all the flavors together and thickens the sauce just right.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Beef, and Ricotta
In a big mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta with your rich beefy sauce and creamy ricotta. Be sure to give it a good mix so every noodle is coated. This step is where the magic of Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta really starts to come together!
Step 6: Layer and Top with Cheese
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Now comes the fun part: shower the top evenly with mozzarella and a healthy scattering of Parmesan. Not only does this form that signature golden crust, but it also adds extra stretch and flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Melty Perfection
Slide your casserole into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and gloriously golden in places. Let it rest for five minutes before serving so the slices hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley breathes brightness and a pop of color over the whole pan. If you want to make it extra-special, try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves right before serving. These garnishes make Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta with buttery garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. If it’s a hearty night, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple Caesar salad for extra crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can bake and serve Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta in individual ramekins for a dinner party or scoop it into bowls for a cozy movie night. For a fun family spin, let everyone top their own slice with more fresh herbs, a spoon of marinara, or a drizzle of chili oil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to keep the flavors vibrant and the cheese soft.
Freezing
For longer storage, cool the baked casserole completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze whole or in individual portions for up to two months. Label and date your packages for easy grab-and-go meals.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your serving in the microwave or re-warm covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating, or go straight from freezer to oven at a lower temperature—just cover with foil to prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day in advance. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different meat?
Yes, feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based ground for a meatless version. Adjust seasonings as needed to suit your protein of choice.
What pasta shapes work best?
Penne and rigatoni are classics for Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta because their tubular shapes trap sauce and cheese, but ziti, fusilli, or shells would also work beautifully.
Is it okay to add vegetables?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini make great additions for a boost of flavor and color. Just cook them down before mixing into the pasta to avoid extra moisture.
Can I lighten it up?
Certainly! Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta, go with leaner ground meat, or add more vegetables to reduce calories while still keeping this Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta hearty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta enough—there’s something about a bubbling casserole full of beef, cheese, and pasta that just feels like coming home. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it become a new family favorite. Your kitchen will smell amazing and the smiles around the table will say it all!
Print
Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines hearty ground beef with pasta, savory marinara sauce, and three kinds of cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To assemble:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, cook until softened. Stir in garlic, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease. Add marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef.
- Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
