Why Make This Recipe
Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a delightful dish perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings. It’s easy to make, filling, and packed with flavors that everyone will love. The combination of tender pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese creates a warm and satisfying meal that brings a smile to the table. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen!
How to Make Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 14 oz fusilli (I use Barilla for a perfect al dente bite)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 26 oz pasta sauce (I prefer Rao’s Homemade for the best flavor)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.75 tsp pepper
- 0.75 tsp onion powder
- 0.75 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 8 oz mozzarella (freshly shredded for better melting and creaminess)
- Fresh basil (torn into small pieces just before serving)
- Parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats, measure out all your spices into a small bowl—Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes—so they’re ready to add quickly to the sauce. Shred the mozzarella cheese and set aside. This prep work ensures everything moves smoothly once you start cooking.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the fusilli. Cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions recommend, keeping the pasta slightly al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse it; the starch on the surface helps the sauce cling better.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned and no longer pink, reduce heat to medium, and stir in the pasta sauce and tomato paste. Add the spice mixture from Step 1 and stir for about 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and hot.
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Pour the cooked pasta from Step 2 into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the meat sauce from Step 3 and gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Spread the mixture into an even layer, then top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly and the edges start to brown lightly. Check around the 20-minute mark to see if the cheese is golden and bubbling at the edges.
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Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Tear fresh basil into small pieces and scatter it over the top just before plating. Finish each serving with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added sharpness and richness.
How to Serve Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake
Serve this dish hot, straight from the oven, with a side salad or some crusty bread. For an extra touch, add more fresh basil and parmesan on top. It’s a complete meal on its own, but feel free to pair it with your favorite sides!
How to Store Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and use a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake
- For added flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar or provolone, alongside the mozzarella.
- If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Make it a one-pan meal by adding some cooked vegetables like bell peppers or spinach right into the pasta mixture.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with cooked lentils or a variety of chopped vegetables.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer; just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. -
What can I do if I don’t have some spices?
You can substitute the spices with any Italian blend or use similar spices you have on hand. Just adjust the amounts to taste.
Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings, filled with tender pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 14 oz fusilli
- 1 lb ground beef
- 26 oz pasta sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.75 tsp pepper
- 0.75 tsp onion powder
- 0.75 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 8 oz mozzarella, freshly shredded
- Fresh basil, torn into small pieces
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your spices in a small bowl.
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook the fusilli for 2-3 minutes less than package directions.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef, cooking until browned.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in pasta sauce and tomato paste along with the spices.
- Pour the cooked pasta into a baking dish and mix with the meat sauce.
- Spread the mixture evenly and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Tear fresh basil onto the top and serve with parmesan cheese.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses like cheddar or provolone. You can adapt the recipe for a lighter option by using ground turkey or chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
