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Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake

A creamy, cheesy pasta bake with ground beef, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni Cooked al dente
  • 1 lb ground beef Get some lean beef for less grease
Vegetables and Sauce
  • 1 small onion Diced
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes Do not drain
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Because cheese is life!
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For that extra flavor kick

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, then drain the excess fat.
  4. Add Aromatics: Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Mix in Sauces: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, mixing well to combine everything.
  7. Layer with Cheese: In a 9x13 inch casserole dish, layer half of the pasta mixture at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta and finish with the rest of the cheese. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the top.
  8. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For substitutions, use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.