If ever a comforting dinner existed to bring everyone running to the table, it’s this Ground Beef Pasta Bake. Rich, cheesy, and bubbling with flavor, it’s the sort of no-fuss casserole you crave on busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing family meal. With savory ground beef, pillowy pasta, and a golden cap of gooey cheeses, every bite is a cozy, hearty hug. Whether you’re planning ahead, feeding a hungry group, or simply treating yourself, this dish hits that just-right spot—classic, reliable, and packed with personality.

Ground Beef Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All of the ingredients for this Ground Beef Pasta Bake are true pantry heroes, coming together in the most harmonious way. Each one brings its own sparkle to the pan, building layers of flavor and epic texture with hardly any fuss.

Pasta (12 ounces penne or rigatoni): Choose sturdy shapes like penne or rigatoni—they hold up beautifully in the bake and soak in the sauce for maximum flavor.
Ground beef (1 pound): The backbone of this recipe, giving the dish heartiness and deep, savory notes.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a hint of sweetness and aromatic depth to the meaty base.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for that irresistible, mouthwatering aroma and mellow heat.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A bright blend of herbs that gives the sauce its familiar, classic Italian backbone.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a touch of gentle heat and an extra pop of excitement.
Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 ounces): The saucy star—choose your favorite jarred blend or homemade for even more flair.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Whipped in for a subtle tang and amazing creaminess that makes the filling rich but not heavy.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): All the melty, stringy, golden-topped glory you need in a pasta bake.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Sprinkled on top for nutty depth and savory sharpness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To make all the other flavors pop.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A sunny splash of color and herbaceous freshness for the finish line.

How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta

Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C) so it’s roasty-toasty by the time your pasta is ready to bake. Cook the pasta in a big pot of boiling salted water until just al dente—it should still have a bit of bite because it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Once it’s there, drain it and set aside, but don’t rinse; you want those bits of starch to help the sauce cling just right.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

Grab your largest skillet and heat it over medium. Add the ground beef and the diced onion, letting them cook together until the beef is browned and crumbly, and onion turns translucent—about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, if needed, to keep your bake from getting greasy.

Step 3: Layer in the Flavor

To the browned beef and softened onions, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and (if using) a generous pinch of red pepper flakes. Let them sizzle for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant, so the seasonings bloom and the garlic softens without burning.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Pour in the whole jar of marinara sauce, stirring so all the meaty goodness gets evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper, tasting along the way—consider this your opportunity to make the sauce your own. Once everything’s melded, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream. This sneaky step is what gives the Ground Beef Pasta Bake that almost luscious, creamy surprise inside.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Tip the cooked pasta into the saucy skillet and stir until every piece is glossy and blushing with sauce. Take a moment to admire—this is what flavor dreams are made of. If your pan is a little full, work in batches to toss everything together so the noodles are fully coated.

Step 6: Assemble the Bake

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (this keeps any sticky bits at bay). Pour in half of the pasta mixture and level it out with a spatula. Scatter 1 cup of mozzarella over this first layer, then spoon on the rest of the pasta, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and a shower of grated Parmesan. It’s your cheesy, golden ticket to happiness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and that irresistibly golden, gooey cheese top. If you like your cheese browned and bubbly, the last minute or two under the broiler is magical—just keep an eye on it!

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

When it’s done, give the Ground Beef Pasta Bake a patient five-minute rest—it helps everything set up for perfect scooping. Sprinkle over a cascade of fresh parsley if you like, and get ready to dish out some joy.

How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Bake

Garnishes

Classic and simple works wonders here. Toss a handful of chopped fresh parsley across the top just before serving for a fresh, herbal lift and a pop of color. Feeling adventurous? Add some thinly sliced fresh basil, a pinch of cracked black pepper, or even a snowflake flurry of extra Parmesan for extra panache. Your Ground Beef Pasta Bake will look straight out of a trattoria!

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty bake with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette for contrast and crunch. Garlic bread, naturally, gets gobbled up alongside (just try to resist using it to mop up any cheesy sauce left behind). Some simply roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans round out the meal in a snap.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Ground Beef Pasta Bake into a dinner party star by baking and serving it in individual ramekins for a restaurant-style touch. For potlucks, pre-cut square portions so they’re ready for grab-and-go. Or, create a DIY pasta bake bar with assorted toppings—olives, extra cheese, or even red pepper flakes—so guests can jazz up their plates just how they want.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover portions keep beautifully! Cool your Ground Beef Pasta Bake to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making those leftovers the week’s best lunch or dinner reward.

Freezing

This pasta bake is a freezer champ. Let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic and foil (or using a freezer-safe container). For best results, freeze unbaked so the cheese stays perfect, though baked leftovers freeze too. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual servings in the microwave, draped with a paper towel to keep them moist. For larger portions, pop them in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20–25 minutes until heated through. If it looks a bit dry, a splash of extra marinara or a few drops of water before heating works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni are favorites for their sturdiness, ziti, shells, or rotini work great, too. Just aim for shapes with ridges or pockets to hold onto all that fabulous sauce.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, the Ground Beef Pasta Bake is wonderfully flexible! Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version. Adjust the seasoning as needed since different meats have unique flavor profiles.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

No sour cream? Cream cheese or Greek yogurt make excellent stand-ins, each lending their own creamy tang. If you skip it entirely, your bake will still be delicious—just a tiny bit less creamy inside.

Can I assemble this in advance?

Certainly! You can build your Ground Beef Pasta Bake up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge (add 5–10 minutes to the baking time), and you’re ready to serve a piping-hot meal on your schedule.

How can I make it spicier?

If you love a kick, add extra red pepper flakes, stir in chopped hot Italian sausage, or serve with chili oil at the table. You control the heat level so every bite is as bold as you like!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Ground Beef Pasta Bake enough—it’s the kind of dish that always disappears fast and leaves everyone grinning. Whether you’re new to baking casseroles or it’s already your weeknight standby, give this recipe a whirl and get ready for requests for seconds. Your cozy, comforting dinner is about to be everyone’s new favorite tradition!

Ground Beef Pasta Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Cheesy, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)

Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in marinara sauce, season, and remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and cooked pasta.
Assemble and Bake: Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining pasta and cheeses. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.