Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake - Hearty, Comforting Classic

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 cup for mixture, 1 ½ cups for topping); 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 (such as Rao's brand or homemade); Fresh parsley, to garnish

Getting a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal on the table takes just about an hour with this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe. I love how the gooey cheese and hearty beef come together—it's the kind of dish that feels like a big warm hug after a busy day.

The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with baked pasta. It has layers starting with a red tomato sauce mixed with ground meat at the bottom, then penne pasta coated in the sauce, topped with melted white and light orange cheese that is slightly browned and bubbly. Some green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding fresh color. A silver fork with a wooden handle is lifting a serving of the pasta, showing stretchy melted cheese between the fork and the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a pale beige cloth partially visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe has been my go-to when I want something easy, flavorful, and satisfying all at once. There's just something about a pasta bake bubbling with cheese and rich meat sauce that hits the spot every time.

Loaded with Flavor: The combination of savory ground beef, Italian seasoning, and multiple cheeses makes each bite super satisfying.
Comfort Food Made Easy: You can prep and bake this recipe in about an hour, perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty but simple.
Customizable: Whether you like it spicier or prefer to sneak in some veggies, this recipe is incredibly flexible.
Feeds a Crowd: It serves about eight people, so it’s great for family dinners or when you want leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part, creating layers of flavor and texture that make this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe so special. Shopping for quality ingredients here is key—fresh cheese and a good marinara sauce make all the difference.

Flat lay of uncooked ridged rigatoni pasta in a small mound, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh whole ricotta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated Parmesan cheese, one whole uncracked brown egg, a small pile of fresh shredded mozzarella cheese, a portion of raw ground beef, one small yellow onion whole and unpeeled, three whole fresh garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of red pepper flakes, small white ceramic bowls containing salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning separately, two small white ceramic bowls filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pasta (Ziti, Penne, or Rigatoni): Tubular shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully, and I prefer ridged rigatoni for extra saucy bites.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the beef and marinara.
Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated for a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the cheesy layers.
Mozzarella Cheese: Separated for mixing and topping, it melts into that classic gooey finish.
Ground Beef: Choose a nice blend, but feel free to mix with sausage or pork for extra flavor.
Yellow Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build a savory foundation in the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle kick without overpowering.
Spices – Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: These bring everything together, creating that classic Italian flavor profile.
Marinara Sauce: I stand by Rao’s or homemade—both bring that rich tomato goodness that’s essential here.
Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that lifts the dish and adds color.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I've played around with everything from adding different kinds of cheese to sneaking in veggies—don't be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I swap half the ground beef for Italian sausage to up the savory factor, which always impresses guests.
Vegetarian Twist: For a meatless version, try sautéed mushrooms and lentils with the same seasoning—it’s surprisingly satisfying.
Spice Level: If you like it hot, boost those red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne—just be careful not to overpower the cheese.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with fresh mozzarella versus shredded or toss in some provolone for extra melty goodness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe

A white plate holds a layered baked pasta dish with a base layer of penne pasta mixed with a thick brown ground meat sauce. On top, there is a rich orange-red tomato sauce and melted creamy cheese layer with bubbles and browned edges. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled evenly over the cheese. There is a silver spoon with a black handle resting on the plate's edge. The white marbled surface serves as the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Sauce Base

Start by cooking your ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium-high heat. I like to crumble the meat finely to get even distribution throughout the dish. Once browned, drain the excess grease—this keeps the bake from feeling too greasy. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, stirring for about a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the marinara sauce and let it gently warm through. You’ll find this step locks in the flavor and keeps the sauce rich and hearty.

Step 2: Cook Your Pasta Al Dente

Boil your pasta, but here’s the trick: cook it 2 minutes less than al dente. Since it’s going in the oven, this ensures the pasta doesn't get mushy. Drain well, but don't rinse—the sauce sticks better when the pasta is hot and a bit starchy.

Step 3: Mix Your Cheesy Filling

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, whisked egg, and one cup of mozzarella cheese. This blend of creamy and sharp cheeses creates the luscious filling that complements the meaty sauce perfectly. I like to spoon dollops of this mixture throughout the bake to get pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bake

Toss the cooked pasta with about ¾ of your meat sauce mixture—this ensures every noodle is coated in flavor. Then spread it evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the top, then add the remaining meat sauce. Cover with foil for the initial bake to keep everything moist.

Step 5: Bake & Broil to Finish

Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups mozzarella over the top. Increase oven temp to 400°F (200°C) and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This final step is where the magic happens—those melted layers of cheese transform the dish.

Top Tip

From my many attempts at the perfect pasta bake, a few small tricks make a world of difference. These tips will help you avoid dryness, ensure balanced flavor, and get that ideal golden cheesy top.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta slightly under al dente keeps it from turning mushy after baking.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts creamier and tastes fresher than pre-shredded, which often has additives that affect texture.
Drain the Beef Properly: Removing the grease prevents the sauce from becoming too oily, keeping flavors bright.
Layer Thoughtfully: Adding dollops of the ricotta mixture creates creamy pockets, and topping with cheese late ensures a bubbly, golden crust.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe

The left side shows a white speckled bowl with four ingredients arranged in sections: a pile of shredded pale yellow cheese on the left, finely grated white cheese at the top, a round soft white cheese wheel on the right, and a raw egg with a bright yellow yolk and clear surrounding white at the bottom. The right side shows a light cream-colored pan filled with cooked ground brown meat mixed with small pieces of translucent cooked onions, spread evenly across the pan. Both are set against a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this pasta bake with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, subtle brightness. Sometimes I grate a little extra Parmesan on top right before serving for that salty kick.

Side Dishes

Garlic bread with melted cheese on top is my go-to pairing, and it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette also balances out the richness of the bake, adding some refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to prepare this in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets— it makes every serving feel special and is great for portion control. You can also bake it in a deep-dish pie pan and serve it with a side of roasted veggies for a more rustic vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day servings even tastier. Reheating gently keeps the pasta from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen assembled pasta bakes (before baking) in a sealed container and thawed them overnight in the fridge before popping them in the oven. It works beautifully for meal prepping or busy nights when you want homemade comfort in a snap.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the bake with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil for a few minutes at the end to refresh the cheesy top. Avoid microwaving too long—it can make the pasta gummy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of ground meat in the Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe?

Yes! While ground beef is the classic choice, you can mix it with ground pork, Italian sausage, or even ground turkey depending on your preference. Just adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Tubed pasta like ziti, penne, or rigatoni is ideal because their shapes trap the sauce wonderfully. I personally love rigatoni with ridges for extra sauce cling. Avoid thin pasta; it can become mushy or get lost in the sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the pasta bake, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just bake it a little longer while covered, then add the cheese and finish as usual. It’s a lifesaver for busy schedules.

How do I prevent the pasta bake from drying out?

The key is to use plenty of sauce and not overcook the pasta before baking. Also, baking covered during the first part of cooking traps moisture. Following these steps will give you a moist, flavorful pasta bake every time.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe feels like a little celebration of classic comfort food. It’s been one of my favorites for years because it’s comforting, flexible, and reliably delicious. Trust me—you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it (maybe even more!). So next time you want an easy yet impressive meal, give this one a try. I’m betting it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way