Cheesy Baked Pasta with Ground Beef and Marinara Recipe
Introduction
This hearty pasta bake is a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Packed with rich marinara, melted cheese, and seasoned ground beef, it’s sure to satisfy any pasta lover’s cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pasta (ziti, penne, or rigatoni)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 egg (whisked)
- 2 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (separated)
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 (24 oz.) jars marinara sauce
- Fresh parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, whisked egg, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than al dente, then drain well. Timing is crucial to avoid mushy pasta.
- Step 4: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess grease.
- Step 5: Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Step 6: Pour in marinara sauce, stir to combine, and heat through. Remove from heat.
- Step 7: Toss the cooked pasta with about ¾ of the meat sauce. Transfer this mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Drop dollops of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, then spoon the remaining meat sauce on top.
- Step 8: Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes. Remove cover, sprinkle with the remaining 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly.
- Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, ideally with garlic bread topped with cheese for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer a healthier or dietary-friendly version.
- Replace ground beef with Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition.
- If you like it spicy, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Make it ahead by assembling the dish a day before baking and refrigerate; just increase baking time by a few minutes when ready to cook.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to preserve the texture and flavor. You can also freeze the baked pasta for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella for provolone or even a blend of Italian cheeses depending on your preference. Just make sure to use a melting cheese for a creamy consistency.
Do I need to precook the pasta?
Yes, cooking the pasta slightly less than al dente before baking ensures it finishes cooking in the sauce without becoming mushy. Proper timing is key.
Print
Cheesy Baked Pasta with Ground Beef and Marinara Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Pasta Bake combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, flavorful meat sauce and creamy ricotta mixture, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting and delicious family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 lb. Pasta (ziti, penne, or rigatoni)
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 egg (whisked)
- 2 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (separated)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 (24 oz.) jars marinara sauce
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta later.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, whisked egg, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Begin boiling water for the pasta. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than al dente, then drain carefully to avoid mushiness.
- Cook Meat and Sauce: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef with diced onions until browned. Drain off excess grease. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute to release flavors. Stir in marinara sauce, combine thoroughly, and heat through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Pasta Bake: In a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, combine the drained pasta with about three-quarters of the meat sauce. Spread dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish and bake in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the cover and sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake.
- Final Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, ideally with garlic bread topped with cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- This recipe uses a generous amount of sauce because the pasta absorbs a lot during baking, preventing dryness.
- Be sure to cook the pasta just shy of al dente to ensure it finishes cooking perfectly in the oven.
- Drain the grease from the cooked ground beef to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Use fresh parsley as a garnish to add a bright, fresh note and appealing color.
- Garlic bread with cheese makes a great side to complement this pasta bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: pasta bake, baked pasta, cheesy pasta, Italian casserole, ground beef pasta, comfort food, mozzarella, ricotta, easy dinner
