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
Scale
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
