Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender fusilli, rich meat sauce, and melted mozzarella, it’s a delicious family favorite that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
- 14 oz fusilli pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 26 oz pasta sauce (such as Rao’s Homemade)
- 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 fresh mozzarella, shredded
- Fresh basil, torn just before serving
- Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Shred the mozzarella cheese and set aside.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions to keep it slightly al dente. Drain, but do not rinse, and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Reduce heat to medium, then stir in the pasta sauce, tomato paste, and spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined.
- Step 4: Transfer the cooked pasta to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the meat sauce and gently fold to coat the pasta evenly. Spread into an even layer, then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges. Check around 20 minutes to ensure cheese has fully melted.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Scatter torn fresh basil over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh mozzarella for creamier cheese melt, or substitute with shredded mozzarella for convenience.
- Swap fusilli with penne or rigatoni if preferred.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the pasta bake in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works well for this bake. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Do I need to cook the pasta fully before baking?
No, the pasta should be slightly undercooked (al dente) as it will finish cooking while baking, preventing it from becoming mushy.
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Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a delicious and hearty meal featuring fusilli pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. Perfectly baked to marry flavors and textures, this easy-to-make dish is great for family dinners and meal prepping.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 14 oz fusilli pasta
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 26 oz pasta sauce (preferably Rao’s Homemade)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
Seasonings
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.75 tsp black pepper
- 0.75 tsp onion powder
- 0.75 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Cheese and Garnish
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
- Fresh basil (torn into small pieces before serving)
- Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Spices: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Shred the mozzarella cheese and set it aside to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook it for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions to keep it slightly al dente. Drain the pasta without rinsing to preserve the starch that helps the sauce adhere better and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef and Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Brown the beef by breaking it apart, cooking until no pink remains. Reduce heat to medium and stir in the pasta sauce, tomato paste, and the prepared spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and flavors meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the meat sauce and gently fold until the pasta is evenly coated. Spread it into an even layer, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned at the edges. Check around 20 minutes to assess the cheese’s readiness.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Just before serving, tear fresh basil over the pasta and sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese for added flavor and richness.
Notes
- Cooking pasta slightly underdone helps prevent mushiness after baking.
- Do not rinse pasta after boiling to maintain surface starch for better sauce adhesion.
- Using freshly shredded mozzarella improves melting and creaminess compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Letting the pasta bake rest before serving allows flavors to set and makes serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: ground beef pasta bake, baked pasta, fusilli pasta recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake
