Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
This comforting ground beef pasta bake is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With tender fusilli pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
- 14 oz fusilli pasta (Barilla recommended for perfect al dente)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 26 oz pasta sauce (Rao’s Homemade preferred for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp pepper
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- Fresh basil, torn into small pieces just before serving
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Shred the mozzarella cheese and set aside to prepare for assembly.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook for 2-3 minutes less than package directions to keep it slightly al dente. Drain the pasta without rinsing to help sauce stick better, then set aside.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Reduce heat to medium, stir in pasta sauce, tomato paste, and the spice mixture. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined.
- Step 4: Transfer the cooked pasta to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and gently fold to coat evenly. Spread the mixture into an even layer, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and edges are lightly browned. Check at 20 minutes to ensure cheese is golden and the pasta is tender.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle torn fresh basil over the top just before serving. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Freshly shredding mozzarella melts better and provides creamier texture than pre-shredded.
Storage
Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave until warmed through, or bake in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes to maintain moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooled completely.
Can I freeze the pasta bake?
Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked assembled dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Print
Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring al dente fusilli pasta baked in a rich tomato and ground beef sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it combines the robust flavors of Italian seasoning and a blend of spices with creamy cheeses for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 14 oz fusilli pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 26 oz pasta sauce (preferably Rao’s Homemade)
- 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
Cheese and Garnish
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- Fresh basil, torn into small pieces
- Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Measure out the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes into a small bowl. Shred the mozzarella cheese and set aside to ensure smooth cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions recommend to keep it slightly al dente as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta, do not rinse it to keep the surface starch for better sauce adhesion.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart until browned and no longer pink. Reduce heat to medium, add the pasta sauce, tomato paste, and pre-mixed spices. Stir well and let it heat through for 2-3 minutes, deepening the sauce flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the drained pasta into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and gently fold to coat the pasta evenly. Spread the mixture into an even layer in the dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the pasta mixture. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese is golden, melted, bubbly, and the edges begin to brown, completing the cooking of the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Scatter fresh torn basil over the pasta and finish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta slightly underdone prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Do not rinse pasta after boiling to retain surface starch that helps sauce adhere better.
- Using freshly shredded mozzarella improves melting and creaminess better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the flavors meld and the cheese set slightly.
- For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: ground beef pasta bake, baked pasta, fusilli pasta recipes, comfort food, Italian pasta bake, cheesy pasta bake
