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
Scale
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
