Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake

There’s something universally comforting about baked pasta—and when it includes tender ground beef and melty cheese, it’s nearly impossible to resist. This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a hearty, family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly with simple ingredients, no complicated prep, and tons of flavor.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this dish offers a satisfying balance of carbs, protein, and comfort. Plus, with no pork, no bacon, no wine, and no alcohol, it’s ideal for households with dietary restrictions while still being a meat-lover’s dream.

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Why You’ll Love This Pasta Bake

Quick Weeknight Dinner

You can prep this dish in under 30 minutes, then let the oven do the rest. It’s perfect for days when you need a no-fuss dinner.

One Dish, Big Flavor

This bake combines seasoned ground beef, your favorite pasta, and layers of gooey cheese—all cooked together for bold flavor in every bite.

Affordable & Pantry-Friendly

All you need are staple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. Great for budget-conscious families or college students.

Customizable & Meal-Prep Friendly

Add veggies, swap the pasta, change the cheese—this bake is endlessly adaptable. It freezes and reheats well for easy lunches or future meals.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef

• 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)

• 1 (24 oz) jar of tomato pasta sauce or homemade equivalent

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richness)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or spinach

• ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese (for extra creaminess)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan (for topping or mixing in)

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Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large skillet

• Large pot for pasta

• Colander

• Mixing spoon or spatula

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Aluminum foil (optional, for baking)

Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2 – Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than the package says). Drain and set aside.

Step 3 – Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4 – Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season with oregano, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks—about 6–8 minutes.

Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 5 – Add the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and allow flavors to meld.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6 – Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the meat sauce and stir until everything is well coated. You can also fold in ricotta or veggies at this point if using.

Step 7 – Assemble the Casserole

Spoon half of the pasta mixture into your baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella and cheddar.

Add the remaining pasta, then finish with the rest of the cheese.

Sprinkle Parmesan on top if using.

Step 8 – Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

If you’d like a golden crust on top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—watch closely!

Step 9 – Cool and Serve

Let the pasta bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and flavors settle.

Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

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Tips for Success

• Use lean beef (90/10 or 85/15) to reduce grease and avoid a watery bake.

• Don’t overcook your pasta—it will finish cooking in the oven.

• Mix cheeses for deeper flavor—mozzarella melts well, cheddar adds sharpness.

• Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and texture.

• Let it rest before cutting into it—this keeps the layers intact.

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Variations

Make It Spicy

Use a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce in the beef mixture. Pepper Jack cheese is another spicy twist.

Low-Carb Version

Use cooked spaghetti squash or low-carb pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute gluten-free pasta and double-check that your tomato sauce is gluten-free.

Vegetarian Version

Swap the beef for lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or plant-based ground meat. Everything else can stay the same.

Creamier Casserole

Stir in ½ cup ricotta or a few spoonfuls of cream cheese into the beef mixture before baking.

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Storage & Reheating

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully baked pasta or assemble it unbaked and freeze. Wrap tightly in foil and store up to 2 months.

To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 50–60 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes to brown the top.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake the entire dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

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What to Serve With Ground Beef Pasta Bake

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette

• Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices

• Grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes at the table for extra flavor

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken is a leaner alternative and works just as well with the same seasoning.

Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding 10 extra minutes if cold.

Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
Not necessarily. Baking uncovered gives you that golden cheese crust. Cover it if you want a softer, gooier top.

How do I avoid a watery casserole?
Make sure to drain both the cooked beef and the pasta well. Avoid overly watery sauces and let the bake rest before serving.

Can I use homemade tomato sauce?
Definitely. Use about 3 cups of your favorite homemade marinara or meat sauce.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Yes—most kids love cheesy pasta! Just skip the red pepper flakes if you’re serving sensitive palates.

Can I add beans for extra protein?
Sure! Add cooked black beans, kidney beans, or white beans for more texture and nutrition.

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Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake is the definition of hearty, no-fuss comfort food. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want to feed your family something warm, satisfying, and full of flavor—without reaching for takeout.

With customizable options, easy prep, and great leftovers, this is one recipe you’ll want to save, share, and come back to again and again.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, cooking for a potluck, or just craving some cheesy comfort food, this pasta bake delivers. And with no pork, no bacon, no wine, and no alcohol, it’s a family-friendly dish you can feel confident serving to just about anyone.

Make it your own by switching up the cheese, adding veggies, or using different types of pasta. You can even double the recipe and freeze half for another week — because some nights, it’s just nice to have dinner already done.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If this recipe is a hit in your kitchen, here are a few more hearty and easy dinner ideas to try next:

• Classic Baked Ziti with Mozzarella – A timeless favorite made with rich tomato sauce and bubbly cheese.

• Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole – Comforting and packed with protein and greens.

• Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Ground Beef – All-in-one meal baked to perfection.

• Easy Turkey Taco Skillet – A low-carb one-pan dinner full of flavor.

• Vegetable Lasagna Roll-Ups – A lighter, vegetarian twist on lasagna.

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Your Turn!

Tried this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake?
We’d love to hear how it turned out!

📸 Tag your creation with #EasyDinnerWithMe and show us your take on this cozy classic.
💬 Leave a comment or review to let others know what variations you tried, and how your family liked it!

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📌 Don’t Forget to Save It!

Pin this recipe for later so you can have a delicious, cheesy dinner on hand anytime the craving hits!

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake – Hearty & Easy Dinner Idea
✅ Family-approved
✅ Freezer-friendly
✅ Ready in under an hour