Ground Beef Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Ground Beef Pasta Bake: the ultimate comfort food that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make! Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta, a rich and savory ground beef sauce, and a blanket of melted, bubbly cheese. Are you already drooling? I know I am! This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate.

While the exact origins of pasta bakes are a bit murky, the concept of layering pasta with sauce and cheese has been a culinary tradition in various cultures for centuries. Think of Italian lasagna or Greek pastitsio – they share the same comforting spirit. The beauty of a Ground Beef Pasta Bake lies in its adaptability. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ground beef, customize the sauce with your favorite vegetables, and experiment with different cheeses.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible – the savory beef, the tangy tomato sauce, and the creamy cheese create a symphony of flavors. Second, the texture is divine, with the soft pasta, the meaty sauce, and the crispy, golden-brown cheese topping. Finally, it’s incredibly convenient. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. So, let’s get cooking and create a Ground Beef Pasta Bake that will become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• For the Meat Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity)
• For the Pasta and Cheese:
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Preparing the Meat Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics: First, grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until the beef is browned all over, making sure to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy pasta bake!
3. Season the Beef: Once the beef is browned, stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt. Give it a good mix to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Add the Tomato Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I usually let mine simmer for an hour.

Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: While the meat sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, but cook it al dente – meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. It will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want it to get mushy.
2. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it well in a colander. Don’t rinse it! We want that starchy water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. This ricotta mixture adds a creamy, cheesy layer to the bake that’s just divine.

Assembling the Pasta Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure every noodle gets a little love!
3. Layer in the Baking Dish: Spread about 1/3 of the pasta and meat sauce mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Add Ricotta Layer: Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta layer. Spread it out evenly as best you can.
5. Sprinkle with Mozzarella: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
6. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers: another 1/3 of the pasta and meat sauce mixture, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and another 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
7. Top it Off: Top with the remaining pasta and meat sauce mixture and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed for that perfect golden-brown topping.

Baking the Pasta Bake

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps to heat the bake through without burning the cheese on top.
2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
3. Rest: Let the pasta bake rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve. Plus, it gives you a chance to admire your handiwork!

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Pasta Bake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad and some garlic bread. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef Pasta Bake isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying experience that the whole family will adore. From the rich, savory meat sauce to the perfectly cooked pasta and the bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping, every element works in harmony to create a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. If you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies, finely diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would be fantastic additions. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You could even add a layer of ricotta cheese between the pasta and the meat sauce for an extra creamy and decadent touch.

Serving suggestions are endless! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to cut through the richness of the bake. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a wonderful addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce. And for a truly special occasion, consider serving it with a side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli.

I’ve made this Ground Beef Pasta Bake countless times, and it’s always a hit. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone’s mouth water, and the taste is even better. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, creating warm memories around the dinner table. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire bake a day in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. This makes it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your household. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable meal.

Now it’s your turn! I’m so excited for you to try this Ground Beef Pasta Bake recipe. Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!