There’s something about the smell of browned ground beef and bubbling cheese that just pulls everyone to the kitchen. Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake is that cozy, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that gets you out of the weeknight scrambletender pasta, savory meat, and layers of melted cheese all baked until golden.
I started making this back in culinary school when I needed something fast between shifts at the bakery. One night I added an extra handful of mozzarella on top, and the way it stretched off the spoon told me I’d nailed it. After tweaking the seasoning and testing it through more dinners than I can count, this version hits that perfect balancecomforting but not heavy, simple but never boring.
Olivia Farnsworth
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake Recipe Easy and Delicious
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a tasty, hearty meal that’s simple to prepare. Combining tender penne pasta with seasoned ground beef and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Cook the penne pasta as directed on the package, saving one cup of the pasta water before draining. Place the drained pasta back into the cooking pot.
While the pasta cooks, warm a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Sprinkle with salt and Italian seasoning. Let it brown undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes to develop a crust, then break it up and stir.
Continue cooking the beef until no pink remains, around 3 to 5 more minutes. Drain excess fat if you prefer.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Stir occasionally and cook until the onions soften, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Mix in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce thoroughly. Then pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir for about 30 seconds to combine, then sprinkle over the shredded Cheddar cheese and stir until melted completely.
Transfer the beef mixture to the pot with the cooked pasta. Stir everything together well.
Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to the pot to loosen the sauce and give it a smooth texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
For a creamier dish, add a bit more heavy cream or cheese. Leftovers store well in the fridge and reheat nicely for lunch or dinner the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Pasta
This is comfort food that doesn’t ask much of you. One skillet, one pot, and about 25 minutes from start to finishthat’s all it takes to get a bubbling, cheesy dinner on the table that tastes like you spent twice the time.
Grown-up Hamburger Helper vibes: All the nostalgia, but with real ingredients and layers of flavor you actually crave as an adult.
Pantry-friendly: Ground beef, pasta, canned tomatoes, and shredded Cheddarnothing fancy, nothing hard to find.
Kid-approved, secretly practical: My nieces devour this, and I love that it sneaks in onions and garlic without a single complaint.
Flexible enough for your week: Make it Monday, pack leftovers Tuesday, or double the batch and freeze half for later.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients & Tools Breakdown)
Everything here is straightforwardno specialty store runs, no exotic pastes. You probably have half of it already.
Ingredient
Why It Matters
Penne pasta
Holds the sauce in every ridged bite; swap rigatoni or shells if you like
Ground beef
The hearty base80/20 works best for flavor without excess grease
Cheddar cheese
Sharp or mild, it melts into creamy, tangy goodness
Heavy cream
Makes the sauce silky and rich without feeling heavy
Diced tomatoes
Adds brightness and a little tang to balance the cheese
Tomato paste
Concentrates the tomato flavor fastdon’t skip it
Worcestershire sauce
Secret umami boost that makes everything taste deeper
Tools: One large skillet, one pasta pot, a colander, and a wooden spoon. That’s it.
How to Make It (Step by Step)
Start your pasta water firstit gives you breathing room to brown the beef without rushing. Cook the penne according to the package, but grab a cup of that starchy cooking water before you drain. You’ll use it later to loosen the sauce and make it cling beautifully.
While the pasta bubbles, heat your skillet over medium and add the ground beef. Season it with salt and Italian seasoning, then spread it out and let it sit undisturbed for a solid 4 to 5 minutes. That’s when the magic happensthe underside gets deeply browned and caramelized. Break it up, stir, and cook until no pink remains. Drain off any extra grease if you want, then stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them soften for a few minutes until they smell sweet and mellow.
Now fold in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well so everything coats the beef. Add the diced tomatoes with all their juices, then the heavy cream and shredded Cheddar. Stir until the cheese melts into a glossy, unified sauce. Dump the beef mixture into the pot with your drained pasta, toss it all together, and add a few splashes of that reserved pasta water2 to 4 tablespoonsuntil the sauce loosens and clings to every piece. Taste, adjust with salt and pepper if needed, and serve.
Swaps, Tweaks, and Troubleshooting
Ground turkey or chicken work if you want to lighten it upjust add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan since they’re leaner. Swap the Cheddar for mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend if that’s what you have. No heavy cream? Whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of butter does the trick, though it won’t be quite as velvety.
Issue
Fix
Sauce too thick
Add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until silky
Sauce too thin
Simmer another minute or two to reduce; the cheese will thicken as it cools
Not enough flavor
A pinch more salt, a splash more Worcestershire, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Pasta clumping
Toss immediately with the beef mixture while both are hot
Pro Tip: If you’re prepping this ahead, undercook the pasta by a minute. It’ll finish softening when you reheat, and you won’t end up with mush.
Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake
Serve this straight from the pot with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but a handful of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness.
Storage: Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to bring the sauce back to life. You can freeze individual portions for up to 3 monthsthaw overnight in the fridge and warm through in a skillet or microwave.
Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the beef mixture and pasta separately, store them apart, and toss together just before serving. The pasta stays firmer, and the flavors stay bright.
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FAQs (Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake)
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work perfectly because they hold the cheese sauce well. These shapes have ridges and tubes that trap the melted cheese and ground beef mixture. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti since it doesn’t distribute evenly in a baking dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble this meal up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together beautifully.
How long does it take to bake and at what temperature?
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove it for the last 10 minutes to get that perfect golden crust. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to set properly.
What cheeses create the best flavor combination?
A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect balance of flavor and meltability. The cheddar provides bold taste while mozzarella creates that stretchy, gooey texture. Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan on top creates a beautiful golden crust when baked.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes covered with foil. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry when reheating.
You’ll love how this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake comes together in just 25 minutestender noodles hugging that creamy, savory sauce, with golden cheese in every bite. It smells like home the second it hits the table. My nieces ask for this every Sunday, and honestly, I never get tired of making it.
Try stirring in a handful of spinach or mushrooms if you want to sneak in veggiesthey disappear into the sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds brightness without any fuss. Leftovers taste even better the next day; just warm gently with a splash of milk to bring back that silky texture.
I’d love to hear what your family thinkstag me if you make it, or tell me in the comments if this reminds you of a favorite childhood dinner. Save this recipe for your next busy weeknight, or share it with a friend who needs an easy, cozy win. Here’s to full bellies and happy faces around your table.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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