Ground Beef Pasta Bake

Introduction

Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, with simple ingredients and a delicious outcome that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 oz pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (or pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Ground Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
4. Add Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Combine Pasta and Beef: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and beef sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta and beef mixture.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a classic, filling, and family-friendly dish. The combination of savory beef, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese makes it a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With minimal prep and ingredients, it’s an easy recipe that delivers delicious results. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!