If you’re yearning for full-on comfort in a single pan, Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta is about to become the ultimate star on your dinner table. This dish is everything I want after a busy day: super saucy, loaded with savory ground beef, and blanketed in a trio of gooey, golden cheeses. It’s delightfully crowd-pleasing and impossibly easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy cheesy, bubbling pasta goodness any night of the week. One bite, and you’ll see why my family requests this cozy classic on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients—each one is simple, but they all play a starring role in developing that crave-worthy flavor and melty texture. With this list, you’re never far from deliciousness, and you might even have most of these in your kitchen already!
- Pasta (12 oz penne, rigatoni, or ziti): Pick a sturdy shape with lots of crevices to trap all that luscious sauce and cheese.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the beef brown beautifully.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Hearty and flavorful, this is the backbone of the dish for that satisfying, protein-packed bite.
- Onion (1 small, diced): A gentle sweetness that builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the whole bake with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings a classic herbaceous note that makes everything taste cozier.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors throughout the dish.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick to round things out.
- Marinara Sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): A tangy, tomato-rich base for the beef and pasta to soak up.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): The not-so-secret ingredient for a creamy, luxe texture that sets this pasta bake apart.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melty and stretchy, mozzarella gives you that pull-apart cheesy topping.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a touch of savory sharpness to the cheese blend.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a little tang and even more irresistible meltiness.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish, optional): A fresh green finish that brightens up all those rich flavors.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures the pasta won’t stick, and you’ll get those deliciously crisp edges everyone loves.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook your pasta just to al dente, so it holds up its shape in the oven. Drain and set aside. This is crucial, because overcooked pasta can turn mushy once baked.
Step 3: Make the Savory Beef Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a big skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. If needed, drain off any extra fat. Now, toss in the onions and garlic, letting them soften up and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then pour in the marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, so all those flavors get cozy together.
Step 4: Mix Pasta, Sauce & Sour Cream
Spoon the cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl and add the beefy tomato sauce. Stir in the sour cream—this is my favorite part, because it makes the sauce extra luscious and creamy! Make sure everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta
Spread the rich, creamy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Now for the fun part: sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese evenly on top. Each cheese adds its own melty magic, so don’t skimp!
Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection
Pop the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes. The cheese should be gloriously melted and the edges just starting to crisp. Let it cool for about 5 minutes—this helps everything set and makes serving easy—then finish with fresh parsley, if you like.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta
Garnishes
A big sprinkle of chopped parsley is all you need for a hit of fresh color and flavor, but you can also add extra grated Parmesan or even crushed red pepper flakes if you want to amp things up. Don’t be shy—this pasta loves a little garnish flair!
Side Dishes
Pair Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, some crusty garlic bread for soaking up every bit of sauce, or roasted vegetables like broccoli and zucchini to round out the meal with a healthy touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop generous portions into individual ramekins for a fun, personal twist, or serve family style with a big platter at the center of your table. For a special touch, try topping each serving with crispy fried onions or a dollop of extra sour cream right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store any leftover Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta, simply spoon any remaining portions into an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making each reheated bite just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish for a future craving, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, you can pop individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. Add a little extra sprinkle of cheese before reheating for that freshly-baked taste!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne, rigatoni, or ziti are perfect for their sturdy shape, you can use any short pasta you have on hand. Just aim for something that holds sauce well—shells, rotini, or fusilli all work great in Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch (or more) of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, or swap in spicy Italian sausage for half of the ground beef. You can also drizzle with hot sauce before serving for a fiery finish.
Can I assemble Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time since it will be going into the oven cold.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
No worries—Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute and will give you a similar creamy tang. You can also skip it if needed, but the dish will be less creamy.
How do I keep the cheese from browning too much on top?
If you notice the cheese browning too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with foil for the last 5–10 minutes of baking. This helps the cheese stay gooey without drying out or becoming overly crisp.
Final Thoughts
Give this Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta a try and see why it’s a dinner superstar! It’s cozy, cheesy, and exactly what you need for a comforting family meal. I hope it quickly becomes a beloved staple around your table, just like it is at mine!
Print
Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner. This easy recipe combines flavorful ground beef, pasta, three types of cheese, and a creamy tomato sauce baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce. Simmer.
- Combine: Mix cooked pasta with meat sauce and sour cream. Transfer to baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate before baking, adjusting the bake time accordingly.
- For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes or using spicy sausage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
