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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Dinner

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A quick and easy cheesy ground beef pasta bake with ricotta and marinara, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners that feel special without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce (homemade or a trusted brand like Rao’s for rich flavor)
  • 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese (small-curd for creaminess)
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or a blend of oregano and basil
  • Optional add-ins: 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • Optional add-ins: Red pepper flakes
  • Optional add-ins: Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add 1 pound (450 g) ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Pour 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce over the browned beef. Stir well and let simmer for 3 minutes. If adding greens like spinach, stir them in now until just wilted.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and marinara mixture. Dollop 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese throughout and gently fold to combine.
  8. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella and ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan evenly on top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on the edges.
  10. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness. Drain excess fat but leave some for flavor. Gently fold ricotta to maintain creamy pockets. Rest the bake before serving for cleaner slices. Use foil tent if cheese browns too quickly. Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy pasta bake, ground beef pasta, ricotta pasta bake, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight dinner, baked pasta

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/cheesy-ground-beef-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-dinner/