This Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a comforting, family-friendly dinner made with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Everything is combined in one baking dish and cooked until bubbly and golden. It’s an easy weeknight meal that uses simple ingredients and is perfect for busy evenings, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Hearty and filling: Ground beef and pasta create a satisfying meal.
- Cheesy topping: Mozzarella and Parmesan melt into a delicious golden layer.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake when needed.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 g) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 g) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Bake
1. Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the beef sauce and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9 × 13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
8. Garnish and Serve
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Pasta Bake
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds its shape better during baking.
- Use lean ground beef: This helps prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Don’t skip the seasoning: Italian seasoning, garlic, and paprika add extra flavor to the meat sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts smoothly and creates a delicious cheesy topping.
- Cover if needed: If the cheese browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil.
Easy Variations
- Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Bake: Stir ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream into the meat sauce before combining it with the pasta.
- Vegetable Pasta Bake: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the beef mixture.
- Spicy Beef Pasta Bake: Add red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper for heat.
- Cheesy Three-Cheese Pasta Bake: Combine mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan for a richer topping.
- Italian Sausage and Beef Bake: Replace half the ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Pasta Bake
Serve this hearty casserole with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans. These simple sides balance the rich tomato sauce and melted cheese.
How to Store and Reheat
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or warm the casserole in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C). Add a splash of water or marinara sauce if the pasta seems dry.
You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a delicious, comforting dinner that brings together tender pasta, flavorful beef sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s easy to customize, simple to prepare, and perfect for family dinners when you want something filling and satisfying.
