Hearty Weeknight Ground Beef Pasta Bake
This hearty ground beef pasta bake is a perfect weeknight meal, combining savory ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, al dente pasta, and plenty of melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Equipment
- large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne, ziti, or elbow macaroni), cooked al dente
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook ground beef until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain well.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the meat sauce, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Spread half the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella, then add the remaining pasta mixture.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through; optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden-brown top.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier portioning.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the oregano and basil. This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep throughout the week.