If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake is sure to become a family favorite. Made with tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella, this easy baked pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in under an hour
- Rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Customizable with your favorite pasta and cheeses
- Great for potlucks and gatherings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fussiloni (giant fusilli) pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (24-ounce) jar pasta sauce
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta 2–3 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the meat sauce over the top. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta.
- Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake with fresh basil and grated Parmesan before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook the pasta slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for a little heat.
- Prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein
Notes
- Fusilloni works beautifully because it holds plenty of sauce, but penne, rotini, rigatoni, or ziti are excellent alternatives.
- Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or an Italian cheese blend can be substituted for mozzarella.
- Homemade pasta sauce can replace store-bought sauce for even richer flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 545
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
FAQ
Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake?
Absolutely. Wrap the baked or unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
What pasta works best?
Fusilloni, rotini, penne, rigatoni, and ziti all hold the sauce well.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lean substitutes.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Mix some mozzarella into the pasta before baking and add an extra layer on top.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions or the entire casserole for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes.
Similar Recipes
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fussiloni giant fusilli pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 24-ounce jar pasta sauce
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese shredded
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta 2–3 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the meat sauce over the top. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta.
- Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake with fresh basil and grated Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Fusilloni works beautifully because it holds plenty of sauce, but penne, rotini, rigatoni, or ziti are excellent alternatives.
- Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or an Italian cheese blend can be substituted for mozzarella.
- Homemade pasta sauce can replace store-bought sauce for even richer flavor.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake combines tender pasta, seasoned beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella into a hearty meal everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or stocking the freezer with make-ahead meals, this comforting casserole is guaranteed to satisfy.