Description
This Ground Beef Alfredo Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole combining tender penne pasta with savory ground beef, rich Alfredo sauce, and a blend of cheeses. It’s a simple, baked dish perfect for a family dinner, featuring a creamy texture and a golden cheesy top.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
Meat & Seasonings
- 16 ounces lean ground beef
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauces & Cheese
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the top third for optimal baking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for one minute less than the package instructions to achieve al dente texture, then drain.
- Brown Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, place the ground beef in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook for about 8 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Seasonings: Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Reduce heat to medium, then stir in the Alfredo sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing well to combine.
- Combine Pasta: Immediately add the drained penne pasta to the skillet while everything is hot. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the sauce and beef evenly, then spread the mixture out in an even layer.
- Bake and Broil: Sprinkle the top with grated parmesan and the remaining mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until hot and bubbly. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese topping.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet simplifies the cooking process by eliminating the need to transfer the mixture before baking.
- Be sure to not overcook the pasta in boiling water as it will finish cooking in the oven, helping prevent a mushy texture.
- Broiling at the end gives a lovely golden-brown and bubbly cheese crust; watch closely to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.
