Cheesy Beef and Pasta Bake

Cheesy Beef and Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleasing casserole with ground beef, tender pasta, and plenty of melted cheese, baked until golden and bubbly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s easy to assemble, feeds a crowd, and makes great leftovers. A go-to dish for busy families and potlucks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef
pasta (penne or rigatoni)
tomato sauce
onion
garlic
mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
olive oil
Italian seasoning

Directions

Cook pasta until al dente; set aside.
In a skillet, heat oil and sauté onion and garlic.
Add beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce and seasoning.
In a baking dish, layer pasta, beef mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

Servings and timing

Serves 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add spinach or mushrooms.
Use ground turkey or chicken.
Top with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Storage/reheating

Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze unbaked or baked.

What pasta works best?

Any sturdy pasta shape.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, add spinach, mushrooms, or peppers.

What cheese is best?

Mozzarella and Parmesan.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Yes, for convenience.

How do I prevent dry bake?

Don’t overcook pasta; add extra sauce if needed.

Can I make it spicy?

Add chili flakes or hot sauce.

How long does it keep?

Up to 3 days refrigerated.

Can I use plant-based meat?

Yes, it works well.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Pasta Bake is a classic, satisfying casserole that’s easy to make and always a hit at the table.