Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake

This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce into one satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd, this hearty casserole is easy to prepare and sure to please the entire family. The layers of flavors, from the tangy tomato sauce to the gooey melted cheese, make this dish a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, half of the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and ricotta cheese (if using). Mix well to combine everything evenly.
6. Assemble: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Serve: Let the Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Enjoy!