Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a hearty casserole made with pasta, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.Ready in about 50 minutes and great for meal prep.
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 9x13-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.