Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake

Name: Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Ultimate Comfort Bites

I love making Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake on busy weeknights when I crave comfort food that’s hearty and satisfying. This dish combines perfectly cooked pasta, savory ground beef, and a melty cheese topping for a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly, making it a staple in my kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover ingredients while still achieving a crowd-pleasing outcome!

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-01-20T14:03:27.776Z

When I first made Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake, I was blown away by how simple yet delicious it turned out. The secret is to brown the beef well and let it soak up the flavors of the sauce before mixing it with the pasta. This step ensures that every bite is packed with rich flavor. I often add a sprinkle of Italian herbs to elevate the dish further, and the aroma fills my kitchen with a warm, inviting scent!

What I learned through trial and error is the importance of letting the bake sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps all the ingredients meld together and makes for a more enjoyable serving experience. Plus, the crispy cheese topping adds a delightful texture contrast that I just can’t resist. Trust me, you’ll want to make this dish a regular in your meal rotation!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy and cheesy goodness in every bite
A hearty meal that's perfect for the whole family
Easy to customize with your favorite veggies and seasonings

Perfect Pasta Cooking

Cooking the pasta to the perfect al dente texture is key to achieving a great Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake. Overcooked pasta can become mushy during baking, ruining the dish's overall integrity. Keep an eye on the pasta, and start checking for doneness a minute or two before the package's recommended time. It should be firm to the bite but not crunchy. Draining the pasta while reserving a bit of the cooking water can also be a great tactic for tweaking the sauce consistency later if needed.

Another factor for perfectly cooked pasta is the salt in the boiling water. It should taste like the sea; this will enhance the pasta's flavor as it cooks. If you're using a gluten-free pasta, follow the package instructions carefully, as they can vary significantly from traditional options. Each bite should sing with flavor, leading to a wonderfully satisfying dish.

Layering for Texture and Flavor

Layering ingredients thoughtfully is crucial for bringing out the dish's textures and flavors. When adding the ricotta cheese, consider dolloping it throughout the pasta mixture rather than stirring it in entirely. This will create creamy pockets that can enhance each bite, contrasting with the meaty and cheesy layers. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan adds a delightful creaminess complemented by the hearty beef and pasta.

When layering the cheese on top, be generous! The mozzarella should be pulled apart into smaller chunks to achieve that perfect gooey melt, while the grated Parmesan adds a crispy, golden topping during baking. Keep an eye on the bake time; once the cheese starts to bubble and turn golden around the edges, remove it from the oven to prevent it from becoming overly hard.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best aspects of Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to keep it fresh. If you're planning to store it longer, consider freezing it before baking to preserve its flavors and textures. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.

When reheating, oven baking is the best method to maintain the crispiness of the cheese topping. Aim for 350°F (175°C) and bake until it's heated through and bubbly, usually about 20-25 minutes. For individual servings, a microwave can be used but may result in a softer cheese texture. With these tips, enjoying your Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake will be a simple pleasure, no matter when you serve it.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake:

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and add the marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, the beef mixture, and ricotta cheese until well combined. Transfer half of the mixture to a baking dish.

Layer with Cheese

Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over the first layer, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake warm and garnished with chopped parsley!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try including sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms in the beef mixture. You can also swap the marinara sauce for your favorite pasta sauce for a unique twist!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to tailor this recipe to dietary needs, there are plenty of substitutions you can make. For the ground beef, a lean turkey or even a plant-based ground meat can work well while still delivering a robust flavor. Similarly, you can swap out the marinara sauce for a homemade tomato sauce or a roasted red pepper sauce for a different taste profile.

For those with lactose intolerance, dairy-free cheese alternatives are widely available. Nutritional yeast can be a great addition to elevate the flavor while keeping it vegan. Keep in mind that the texture of dairy-free cheeses can vary, so look for brands that melt well to achieve the dish's signature cheesy top.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake can stand alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with side salads or garlic bread for a more rounded meal. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the cheese, elevating your dining experience. You might also consider offering a side of steamed vegetables for color and nutrition.

For a fun twist, consider serving the bake with a drizzle of pesto or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. This can elevate the dish with additional flavor dimensions. Presentation matters too; serving in individual ramekins can make for a charming display at your dinner table and provide a more personalized experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or rigatoni.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pasta and beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based substitute and use a marinara sauce without meat.