Learn how to make delicious Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
8 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and beef sauce. Transfer half of the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and the rest of the cheeses.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For that extra crispy top, broil the bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve and enjoy!
