Ground beef pasta bake with mozzarella is one of those dinners that instantly brings everyone to the table. It is rich, cheesy, and comforting, everything you want after a long day. In my house, it started as a quick experiment one weeknight when I had ground beef, pasta, and a jar of marinara sitting on the counter. Thirty minutes later, my family was scraping their plates clean and asking for seconds. That is when I knew this would become a regular dinner rotation.
This dish blends hearty ground beef with perfectly cooked pasta, topped with golden bubbling mozzarella. It is simple enough for busy nights but tasty enough to serve when friends drop by. The best part is that it is a one-pan recipe that saves you time without sacrificing flavor.
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works:
- Perfectly balanced layers of beef, pasta, and mozzarella
- Easy to customize: creamy, veggie-packed, or extra cheesy
- Freezer-friendly for stress-free dinners
- Budget-friendly ingredients that stretch into big servings
If you enjoy this kind of family-style cooking, you will love my Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. It is another family favorite that transforms simple ingredients into a cozy and satisfying meal.
Cooking tip: Use a quality marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade, and shred mozzarella fresh for the best melt. A handful of fresh basil at the end brightens everything up.
Ingredients and Smart Variations for Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella
Ground beef pasta bake with mozzarella stays simple yet flexible. You can make it classic with marinara and mozzarella or switch it up with creamy layers and vegetables. The ingredients are easy to find, and each one adds flavor and texture that make this casserole unforgettable.
Main Ingredients
- Pasta: Penne or rigatoni holds the sauce perfectly.
- Ground beef: Lean beef gives a hearty flavor without excess grease.
- Onion and garlic: Build the base flavor and bring aroma to every bite.
- Marinara sauce: Use a good-quality jar or your homemade version.
- Italian seasoning, salt and pepper: Keep the flavor balanced and rich.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and onion evenly.
- Fresh basil: Adds freshness and color at the end.
- Mozzarella: Melts beautifully for that golden, cheesy crust.
Variations to Try
- Creamy version: Stir in half a cup of sour cream or cream cheese for a richer bake.
- Vegetable boost: Add diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Cheese swap: Combine mozzarella with cottage cheese or ricotta for a lighter twist.
- Jar sauce shortcut: If you are short on time, use your favorite ready-made pasta sauce straight from the jar.
- Different meat option: Try ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter.
If you like easy, hearty dinners like this, check out my Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef. It is another quick, comforting recipe that proves weeknight meals can be flavorful and satisfying without much work.
Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella
Equipment
- large pot
- skillet
- cooking spoon
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- oven
- knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 25 ounces marinara sauce
- 0.25 cup fresh basil, torn, plus more for garnish
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente. Drain, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Cook diced onion until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce and basil. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce looks too thick.
- Pour the sauce over pasta in the baking dish. Toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Cook pasta until just al dente so it stays firm after baking.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Use fresh mozzarella for better melting and flavor.
- Do not cover while baking to keep the cheese golden and slightly crisp.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting for clean layers.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake from frozen, add about 20 minutes of cook time at 350°F.
- Serve with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
Nutrition
Calories: 411 kcalCarbohydrates: 50 g
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg
Sodium: 738 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Calcium: 212 mg
Iron: 3 mg Nutrition values are estimates based on standard ingredients and preparation. Actual results may vary depending on brands and portion sizes.
How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella
Ground beef pasta bake with mozzarella comes together fast and easily. The process is simple, but each step matters if you want that perfect cheesy top and rich, saucy flavor. Follow this step-by-step guide and you will have dinner ready in less than an hour.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package time.
- Drain the pasta, saving about half a cup of the cooking water.
- Transfer the pasta to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil.
- Add diced onion and cook until it starts to soften.
- Add ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the meat browns completely while breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and fresh basil.
- If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it slightly.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the meat sauce over the cooked pasta and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
For another comforting dinner idea that uses the same hearty beef flavor, try my Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole. It is creamy, cozy, and ideal for busy nights.
Tips, Serving, and Storage for Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella
Ground beef pasta bake with mozzarella is one of the easiest dishes to make, but a few small tips can help you get the best results every time. These tricks will keep your pasta flavorful, your cheese perfectly melted, and your leftovers just as tasty the next day.
Pro Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor
- Cook pasta al dente. Slightly undercooked pasta holds its shape after baking.
- Use fresh mozzarella. Shredding your own cheese helps it melt smoothly.
- Reserve pasta water. It adds gloss to the sauce and prevents dryness.
- Do not overbake. Once the cheese turns golden, remove the dish from the oven.
- Rest before serving. Let it sit for five minutes so the sauce thickens and layers settle.
- Add fresh herbs. Sprinkle basil or parsley for a bright finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
- For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions with a crisp cucumber salad.
- If you are hosting guests, serve it family-style straight from the baking dish.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes or in the microwave in short intervals.
- Bake from frozen: Add 15–20 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the freezer.
FAQs About Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella
1. Can I freeze ground beef pasta bake and how long will it last?
Yes, you can freeze ground beef pasta bake with mozzarella easily. Let the baked dish cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, bake it straight from frozen at 350°F for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the center is hot and the cheese is bubbly again.
2. Should I cook the pasta before baking or use it raw?
Always cook your pasta before baking. Use salted boiling water and cook the pasta until just al dente. This keeps it firm after baking. If you use uncooked pasta, it will absorb too much liquid from the sauce, leaving the casserole dry and unevenly cooked.
3. How do I prevent my pasta bake from becoming soggy?
The secret is to undercook your pasta slightly and avoid too much sauce. Always drain the pasta well before adding it to the baking dish. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce only if needed. Do not cover the casserole while baking, since steam can soften the top layer.
4. Can I substitute mozzarella with other cheeses or make it creamy?
Yes, this recipe is flexible. For a creamy texture, mix in sour cream, cream cheese, or cottage cheese before baking. For a sharper flavor, try shredded cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses. Each choice melts differently, so test what your family likes best. The mozzarella version gives the most classic cheesy pull, but other cheeses add new flavors and textures you might love.
Ground beef pasta bake with mozzarella is the kind of dish that always satisfies. It is quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and fills your kitchen with a warm, cheesy aroma that makes everyone smile. This meal fits busy weeknights, potlucks, and family dinners alike.
The beauty of this bake lies in its flexibility. You can make it creamy, pack it with vegetables, or keep it classic with only marinara and cheese. However you prepare it, it is sure to become one of your favorite dinners.