Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm, gooey casserole packed with tender pasta, flavorful beef, and melted cheese. This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, it’s a dish that everyone will love. The rich flavors and creamy texture make this bake an instant hit. Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and tips to make this recipe the star of your table.
Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake
To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or any short pasta: Elbow macaroni works great, but you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for a twist.
For the Beef Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté the aromatics.
- 1 pound ground beef: A lean ground beef option works best to avoid excess grease.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that aromatic base.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a smoky undertone.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the Italian-inspired flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Adjust based on your preference.
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own homemade marinara.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
For the Cheesy Bake
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: One cup goes into the pasta mixture, and one cup creates that irresistible cheesy topping.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds creaminess to the dish.
Directions
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The fam couldn’t stop talking about how good it was. Gonna make a bigger batch next time.
I can’t believe I didn’t know this
I had no idea you could do this with just 2 ingredients!