Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake (Ultra Comfort Food Everyone Loves!)

When you want a warm, cheesy, filling dinner that you just know will make everyone happy, look no further than this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake. It’s one of those dishes that has people gravitating to the kitchen well before you call them in for dinner. Think creamy pasta, flavorful ground beef, rich sauce, and a golden layer of melted cheese up top; if that isn’t comfort food at its best, then I don’t know what is.

This recipe is perfect for families on the go, lazy weekends, potlucks, or meal prep. You can make it ahead, bake it later, freeze it for another day, or serve right from the oven when it’s hot, bubbly, and impossible to resist. It’s simple, affordable, and made with ingredients you probably already have

This pasta bake will certainly be making frequent appearances once you make it; in fact, it will gain a permanent spot on your dinner rotation.

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⭐ Why This Ground Beef Pasta Bake Is a Favorite

This recipe is loved because it’s:

• Rich, cheesy, and deeply comforting
• Perfect for feeding a crowd
• Easy to customize
• Great for leftovers
• Kid-approved and adult-approved
• Budget-friendly

It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in food form.

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⭐ Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this cheesy ground beef pasta pasta bake:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)

Optional Add-Ins

• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Spinach
• Corn
• Chili flakes
• Cream or sour cream (for extra richness)

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⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until just al dente (slightly firm).

Important tip:
Don’t overcook the pasta it will continue cooking in the oven.

Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.

Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic

Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

This step builds the deep, savory flavor of the dish.

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Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in:

• Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors come together.

Optional trick:
Add a splash of cream or a spoon of sour cream for a richer sauce.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until fully coated.

At this stage, the mixture should look saucy not dry.

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Step 6: Assemble the Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.

Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.

Cheese tip:
Use a mix of mozzarella (for stretch) and cheddar (for flavor).

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Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until:

• The cheese is melted
• The top is lightly golden
• The edges are bubbling

For an extra golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

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Step 8: Rest & Serve

Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Scoop generous portions and enjoy while it’s hot and cheesy.

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⭐ Secrets for an AMAZING ground beef Pasta Bake

These small tips make a huge difference:

✔ Slightly undercook the pasta

It prevents a mushy bake.

✔ Don’t skimp on sauce

Dry pasta bakes are sad pasta bakes.

✔ Season the beef well

This is where most of the flavor comes from.

✔ Add cheese in layers

Mix some into the pasta and add more on top.

✔ Let it rest

It thickens and tastes even better after a few minutes.

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⭐ Easy Variations to Try

You can change this recipe again and again:

✨ Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake

Add ½ cup cream or béchamel sauce.

✨ Spicy Pasta Bake

Add chili flakes, cayenne, or jalapeños.

✨ Veggie-Packed Bake

Add zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or carrots.

✨ Tex-Mex Pasta Bake

Use taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and cheddar.

✨ Italian-Style Bake

Add basil, oregano, and parmesan.

✨ Extra Cheesy Bake

Add a cheese layer in the middle and on top.

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⭐ What to Serve With Pasta Bake

This dish is filling on its own, but pairs nicely with:

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Coleslaw
• Steamed broccoli

Simple sides balance the richness perfectly.

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⭐ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is perfect for leftovers and meal prep.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer

Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 2 months.

Reheat

• Oven: Best for texture
• Microwave: Quick and easy
  Add a splash of water or sauce if needed.

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⭐ Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake is the definition of cozy comfort food. It’s rich without being complicated, filling without being heavy, and cheesy without going overboard. Every bite is warm, satisfying, and full of flavor.

It’s perfect for family dinners, busy nights, or anytime you want a guaranteed win in the kitchen. If your blog is about ease, comfort, and crowd-pleasing meals, this recipe absolutely belongs on it.

Once readers try it, they’ll save it, share it, and come back to it again and again.

Also read on Ground Beef Quesadillas