Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Packed with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, it delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner recipe ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks. The golden, bubbly cheese topping makes it irresistible and comforting. Serve it hot and watch it become a new favorite at the dinner table!
Ingredients:
8 oz. cavatappi pasta (or your favorite short pasta, like penne or macaroni)
1.5 lbs. ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 can (15 oz) petite diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp olive oil
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
8 oz. mushrooms, diced
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup reserved for topping)
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (½ cup reserved for topping)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (6-8 minutes). Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Sauté Vegetables:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté red and green bell peppers and mushrooms until softened. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté onion until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Make the Sauce:
Add salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Mix well and let simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Stir in the cooked pasta and mix. Let it cool slightly before adding mozzarella and Colby Jack cheeses (save ½ cup of each for topping). Stir until evenly combined.
6. Bake:
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheeses on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Success:
Pasta Options: Swap cavatappi for penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni.
Protein Substitute: For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken.
Save the Pasta Water: This starch-rich water enhances the sauce’s texture and flavor.
CheesyGroundBeefPasta, ComfortFood, EasyDinnerRecipe, OnePotMeal, PastaLovers, FamilyFavorite, MozzarellaCheese, BeefPastaBake, WeeknightDinner, BakingRecipes
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Calories: 450 | Servings: 8
