If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food dinner, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Made with tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese, it’s an easy family meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a make-ahead dinner, this hearty pasta casserole is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners
- Loaded with cheesy, comforting flavor
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Bakes beautifully with a golden, melty cheese topping
- A satisfying ground beef pasta bake everyone will enjoy
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 blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 2–3 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Transfer the cooked pasta to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and stir until evenly combined.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Slightly undercook the pasta before baking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter variation.
- For extra cheesiness, mix in shredded cheddar or provolone.
- Make it ahead and refrigerate before baking for an easy meal-prep dinner.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American-Italian
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Family-Friendly, High Protein
Notes
- Giant fusilli works especially well because it holds plenty of sauce.
- Any short pasta shape such as rotini, penne, or rigatoni can be substituted.
- Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Adjust seasonings according to taste preferences.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
FAQ
Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Fussiloni, rotini, rigatoni, penne, and other sturdy pasta shapes work very well because they hold the sauce effectively.
Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add an additional cup of mozzarella or combine mozzarella with cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Can I use homemade pasta sauce?
Yes. Homemade marinara or meat sauce works wonderfully in this baked beef pasta recipe.
What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, and steamed green beans are excellent choices.
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 the microwave until warmed through, or bake at 350°F covered with foil until hot.
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 blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese shredded
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 2–3 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Transfer the cooked pasta to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and stir until evenly combined.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Giant fusilli works especially well because it holds plenty of sauce.
- Any short pasta shape such as rotini, penne, or rigatoni can be substituted.
- Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Adjust seasonings according to taste preferences.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake combines tender pasta, flavorful beef sauce, and gooey melted cheese into one incredibly satisfying meal. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet comforting enough for special family dinners. Once you try this easy pasta casserole, it may quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinner recipes.