If comfort food had a poster child, it would be this baked pasta with ground beef. With its melty cheese, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a warm hug on a plate. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it a staple in my kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—just 15 minutes!
- Each bite is filled with savory flavor and a creamy texture.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and spices.
Ingredients / What You’ll Need
- 12 ounces fussiloni (giant fusilli) pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 24oz jar of pasta sauce
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 & ½ teaspoons Italian seasonings blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounce block low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
- Chopped fresh basil leaves & grated parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
Ingredient Notes
For the pasta, fussiloni or any sturdy pasta shape works wonderfully to hold the sauce. I love the way the ridges of fussiloni cling to all that cheesy goodness!
And when it comes to cheese, feel free to mix up varieties. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar can add an extra flavor depth.
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil your pasta according to the package instructions, cooking it 2-3 minutes less than the al dente time. This is important as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Once done, add the pasta sauce, tomato paste, and all seasonings. Stir thoroughly and let it heat through.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce in a 9×13 casserole dish, stirring until everything’s well mixed.
- Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil for that extra touch of flavor. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to sneak in some extra nutrition.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked pasta with ground beef ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey, sausage, or even lentils work great in this recipe! Feel free to get creative.
Can I freeze baked pasta with ground beef?
Yes, this dish freezes nicely! Just be sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly for freezing. To reheat, let it thaw overnight and bake until warmed through.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave until hot!