Cheesy Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce Recipe

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Cheesy Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a gooey layer of melted cheese that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce is not only delicious but also simple to make. Here are a few reasons to love it:

• Comforting: A warm, cheesy pasta dish that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Quick Prep: Assemble it in just 20 minutes!
• Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes.
• Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Cheesy Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
7. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
8. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a unique flavor twist.
• For added veggies, consider mixing in sautéed bell peppers or spinach into the meat sauce.

Easy Variations

• Swap the penne pasta for rotini or ziti for a different texture.
• Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Top with breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of olive oil for a crispy topping.

What to Serve With It

• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread for dipping into the cheesy goodness.
• Steamed broccoli or green beans for a colorful side.
• A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Recipe Card