Description
This Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta is a comforting dish that combines al dente pasta, savory ground beef, and a gooey cheese topping, making it perfect for family meals or any occasion when you’re craving something hearty.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (such as rigatoni, shells, or elbow)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning into the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat the pasta with the meat sauce.
- Bake with Cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, and optionally add some Parmesan for extra flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the baked pasta cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Customize with your favorite toppings or vegetables for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg