This dish is a comforting and hearty blend of ground beef and pasta, seasoned with spices and filled with familiar flavors. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners. The delicious mix of ingredients is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why you’ll love this dish
The combination of tender beef and al dente pasta creates a satisfying meal. Seasoned tomato sauce adds richness. This dish is versatile and can be made in under an hour.
"I made this for my family, and they loved it! It’s so flavorful and easy to prepare.”
It’s perfect for weeknights and gatherings alike.
The cooking process explained
This recipe involves browning the ground beef, cooking the pasta, and combining everything in an oven-safe dish. It’s straightforward, combining layers of flavor for a delightful finish.
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 40 min
What you’ll need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then add pasta. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with cheese, and bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also top with fresh herbs or extra cheese for added flavor.
Storage and reheating tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture. For long-term storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
Helpful cooking tips
- Drain fat from the ground beef to keep the dish lean.
- Taste before serving to adjust seasoning.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes.
Creative twists
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use different cheeses or a mix for varied flavors.
FAQ
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta works well.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Keep them for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
Hearty Beef and Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and hearty blend of ground beef and pasta, seasoned with spices and filled with familiar flavors. Perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then add pasta. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with cheese, and bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef, pasta, casserole, comfort food, family meal