Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a hearty, family-friendly dish that brings together seasoned beef, pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese in one comforting casserole. It’s easy to prepare, great for feeding a crowd, and perfect for make-ahead meals or weeknight dinners with leftovers to spare.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef
pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
marinara or pasta sauce
onion
garlic
olive oil
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce and beef.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat with the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef.
Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more veggies.
Layer in a ricotta cheese mixture for a lasagna-style twist.
Top with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before reheating or baking.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What pasta works best?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
Can I use jarred sauce?
Absolutely—choose your favorite marinara or pasta sauce.
Do I have to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, the pasta needs to be cooked first to ensure proper texture.
Can I add cheese inside the pasta layers?
Yes, layering cheese adds richness and gooey texture.
How do I prevent it from drying out?
Cover with foil for most of the bake time to keep it moist.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, cool completely before freezing for best texture.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the meat or use plant-based crumbles and load up on veggies.
What cheese can I use besides mozzarella?
Try provolone, cheddar, or an Italian blend.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use two baking dishes or a deep roasting pan for a crowd.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a classic, satisfying meal that combines rich flavors, gooey cheese, and tender pasta in a no-fuss casserole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a comforting, crave-worthy favorite that hits the spot every time.
Print
Ground Beef Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour (including pasta cooking & bake)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish / Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Comforting baked pasta loaded with savory ground beef, tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta—perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente (about 1–2 minutes shy of package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up, until browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes; season with salt and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta and sauce in a large bowl or directly in the skillet.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Add remaining pasta mixture, then top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges start to brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
- Serve warm. Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat covered in oven or microwave.
Notes
- Substitute half the ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Make ahead: assemble in dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking; add extra bake time if baking straight from cold.
- For a crisp topping, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed chips before baking.