Ground Beef Pasta Bake
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a hearty and delicious dish that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese.
This Ground Beef Pasta Bake is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, meaty flavor with every bite
- Cheesy topping that adds a delightful crunch
- Comfort food that satisfies the whole family
- Easy to prepare and great for meal prep
A Perfect Family Meal
This Ground Beef Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or even a cozy night in. With its combination of tender pasta and savory ground beef, it's sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The rich tomato sauce brings everything together, while the melted cheese on top adds an irresistible touch that makes everyone come back for seconds.
Preparing this meal is not just about the delicious outcome; it's also about the joy of cooking together as a family. Involving your kids in the kitchen can be a fun and educational experience. Let them help with simple tasks like mixing the ingredients or sprinkling the cheese on top. This recipe encourages family bonding while creating memorable moments.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best aspects of this Ground Beef Pasta Bake is its versatility. You can easily switch up the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. If you prefer turkey or chicken over beef, feel free to make that substitution. Additionally, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
This dish also works well with different types of pasta. While penne is a favorite for its ability to hold sauce, you can experiment with rotini, shells, or even gluten-free pasta. The customizable nature of this recipe allows you to get creative while still delivering a satisfying and hearty meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you're looking for a make-ahead meal, this Ground Beef Pasta Bake is an excellent choice. It stores well in the refrigerator and can also be frozen for later use. Prepare the dish, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it in the oven until heated through.
Meal prepping can save you time during busy weekdays, and this recipe fits perfectly into that plan. Portion it out into individual servings for quick lunches or dinners. With its comforting flavors and satisfying ingredients, you’ll always have a delicious meal ready to go when you need it.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious Ground Beef Pasta Bake:
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start preparing your pasta bake!
Instructions
Follow these steps to cook your Ground Beef Pasta Bake:
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix Pasta and Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Mix well to ensure all pasta is coated.
Assemble and Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Ground Beef Pasta Bake with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar can add a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread, on the other hand, provides a delightful crunch and is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
For a fun twist, consider serving the pasta bake in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. This way, each person can have their own serving, making it ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store leftovers, allow the Ground Beef Pasta Bake to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning and dry out.
If you're reheating a frozen portion, it's best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Reheat in a preheated oven until heated through, ensuring that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Nutritional Benefits
This Ground Beef Pasta Bake not only satisfies cravings but also packs in some nutritional benefits. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. It also provides vital nutrients such as iron and zinc, which are important for maintaining energy levels and supporting the immune system.
Incorporating tomatoes into the dish adds a dose of vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants that promote heart health. By adding vegetables to the mix, you can enhance the fiber content, making this dish not only comforting but also beneficial for overall health.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or fusilli.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta bake in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
→ Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled pasta bake before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to eat.
→ What can I serve with this pasta bake?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this hearty dish.
Ground Beef Pasta Bake
This Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a hearty and delicious dish that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese.
Created by: Georgia Lane
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Mix well to ensure all pasta is coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 28g