There’s something magical about a piping-hot dish of baked pasta bubbling with melted cheese and infused with hearty beef. It’s the type of meal that wraps you in a warm, comforting embrace after a long day. Incredibly Delicious Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pasta, savory beef, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden, bubbly topping.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this dish will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this hearty and satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake
There’s a reason pasta bakes are a universal comfort food favorite:
- Rich and flavorful: The combination of seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and baked pasta is irresistible.
- Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite pasta, cheese, or added veggies.
- Perfect for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Simple ingredients: Everything you need can likely be found in your kitchen or easily sourced.
If you’re looking for a cozy, indulgent meal that’s easy to make, this recipe has your name on it!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting pasta bake:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 450 grams |
| Pasta (rigatoni or penne) | 300 grams |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Diced tomatoes | 300 milliliters |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Leeks, cleaned and sliced | 2 |
| Creamed butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk | 500 milliliters |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 70 grams |
| Nutmeg | A pinch |
| Cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend, grated | 180 grams |
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake
Follow these simple steps to make this hearty dish:
1. Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Beef Mixture
- Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and sliced leeks to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt the creamed butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Assemble the Dish
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar, mozzarella, or cheese blend over the surface of the dish.
5. Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly. The edges should be slightly crisp, and the dish should be hot and fragrant.
6. Serve
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- Serve hot with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake
- Use quality cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and cheddar melt better and add a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Remember that the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so keep it slightly firm when boiling.
- Customize the recipe: Add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- Store leftovers properly: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (recipe serves 6):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | ~25g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
FAQ: Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or use a mix of mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a veggie-packed version.
2. Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Assemble the pasta bake and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely. While rigatoni and penne work well, you can also use fusilli, shells, or even macaroni.
4. What cheese works best for the topping?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both create the perfect golden and bubbly topping. Parmesan adds depth, but any melting cheese will work.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or in the microwave with a splash of milk to prevent drying out.
6. Can I make the cheese sauce gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux, and ensure your pasta is gluten-free as well.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
Incredibly Delicious Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake combines everything you love about comfort food into one satisfying dish. The creamy cheese sauce, savory beef, and perfectly cooked pasta make it a meal you’ll want to return to again and again. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Ready to Cook?
Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food classic. This beef and cheese pasta bake is guaranteed to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. What are you waiting for? Dive in and enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!
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Incredibly Delicious Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake: A Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. This hearty, crowd-pleasing dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 450 grams ground beef
- 300 grams pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 300 milliliters diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
- 2 tablespoons creamed butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 500 milliliters milk
- 70 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 180 grams cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend, grated
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and sliced leeks. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt the creamed butter over medium heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the pasta-beef mixture to a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar, mozzarella, or cheese blend over the surface of the dish.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
Notes
- Pasta Choices: Rigatoni, penne, or even fusilli are great options as they hold the sauce well.
- Customizations: Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired Comfort Food