Creamy Beef Alfredo Pasta Bake
This Creamy Beef Alfredo Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. Inspired by a cherished family recipe, this casserole combines hearty lean ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a rich blend of Alfredo and spaghetti sauces. Perfect for busy weeknights, each bite provides comforting flavors that will remind you of home-cooked meals enjoyed around the dinner table. The gooey cheese topping adds a satisfying finish, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. Skip the takeout and bring this flavorful pasta bake to your family dinners instead. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
6-8
Servings
437.5
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
small onion
1 (chopped)
water
1/2 cup
bay leaf
1
garlic clove
1 (minced)
No Yolks egg noodle substitute
1 (12 ounce) package (cooked)
Ragu spaghetti sauce
1 (28 ounce) jar
Ragu alfredo sauce
1 (1 lb) jar
milk
1/2 cup
shredded parmesan cheese
2 cups
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and return the beef mixture to the skillet.
3
Stir in the Ragu spaghetti sauce and add water to the empty sauce jar, swishing it around to loosen any remaining sauce. Add this to the skillet.
4
Season the mixture with minced garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
5
While the meat mixture simmers, prepare the No Yolks egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
6
Pour the Ragu alfredo sauce over the cooked noodles and gently stir to coat the noodles evenly. Add the milk to the empty alfredo jar, swish it around, and pour it into the pot with noodles.
7
To assemble the casserole, spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8
Next, layer half of the noodle mixture over the beef, followed by half of the shredded parmesan cheese.
9
Repeat the layering process with the remaining beef mixture, noodles, and finish with the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
10
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. For a bubbly top, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking.
11
Once cooked, remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy beef Alfredo pasta bake!
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
43.75g
Carbs
23.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Beef Alfredo Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that combines lean ground beef, egg noodles, Alfredo sauce, and spaghetti sauce with a gooey cheese topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this bake?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the pasta bake need to stay in the oven?
It should bake for a total of 40 minutes.
What type of noodles are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for a 12-ounce package of No Yolks egg noodle substitute.
What kind of meat is used in this dish?
The dish uses 1 pound of lean ground beef.
Which sauces are required for the Creamy Beef Alfredo Pasta Bake?
You will need one 28-ounce jar of Ragu spaghetti sauce and one 1-pound jar of Ragu alfredo sauce.
Do I need to cook the noodles before baking?
Yes, you should prepare the egg noodles according to the package directions before assembling the casserole.
How should I prepare the beef and onion?
Brown the ground beef with one chopped small onion over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain the excess fat.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one minced garlic clove.
Why do I need to add water to the spaghetti sauce jar?
Adding 1/2 cup of water to the empty jar and swishing it helps loosen any remaining sauce to ensure nothing is wasted.
How long should the meat and sauce mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
What is the purpose of adding milk to the alfredo jar?
Adding 1/2 cup of milk to the alfredo jar helps get all the sauce out and adds extra creaminess to the noodles.
What is the correct way to layer this casserole?
Spread half the beef mixture, followed by half the noodle mixture and half the parmesan, then repeat the process once more.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded parmesan cheese.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for most of the baking time, but remove it for the last 10 minutes for a bubbly top.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 437.5 calories.
What is the protein content of this meal?
There are approximately 23.75 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 22.5 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
One serving contains about 43.75 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe considered an easy dinner option?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe and a one-dish meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9x13-inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
What seasonings are added to the meat sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with minced garlic, a bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 12 total ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the description notes it is a favorite among both kids and adults due to its cheesy, savory flavors.
Can I swap the ground beef for another protein?
While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you could likely substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
What are the main flavor tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as pasta, casserole, comfort food, and family-friendly.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish?
Spray the baking dish with cooking spray before you begin the assembly process.
Is the bay leaf left in the dish?
The recipe mentions adding it for flavor while simmering; typically, bay leaves are removed before serving.