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cheesy tomato beef bake in a white casserole dish.
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5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Tomato Beef Pasta Bake

Cheesy Tomato Beef Pasta Bake is a comforting dish made with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and savory ground beef, all topped with melted cheese. It's easy to make and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 514kcal
Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 12 ounces penne pasta or other small shaped pasta like rigatoni
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes 1 can
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce 1 can
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • fresh basil for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until just under al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
    process shots showing how to make cheesy tomato beef pasta bake.
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
    process shots showing how to make cheesy tomato beef pasta bake.
  • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef, cooking until softened.
    process shots showing how to make cheesy tomato beef pasta bake.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
    process shots showing how to make cheesy tomato beef pasta bake.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine.
    process shots showing how to make cheesy tomato beef pasta bake.
  • Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining cheese.
    process shots showing how to make cheesy tomato beef pasta bake.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
    process shots showing how to make cheesy tomato beef pasta bake.
  • Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

  1. Cook the pasta until just under al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
  2. Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a rich, flavorful topping.
  3. Let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make it easier to slice.
  4. Feel free to substitute penne with other small-shaped pasta like rigatoni or ziti.
  5. For added flavor, garnish with fresh basil just before serving.
  6. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 514kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 491mg | Potassium: 512mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 854IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 251mg | Iron: 3mg