Family-Style Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake
This hearty and delightful Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake brings back warm memories of family dinners. Inspired by my children's playful naming, this comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a filling meal that's easy on the budget. Combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, and small shell pasta, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella, this dish is a surefire hit at the dinner table. Paired with crispy garlic bread, it becomes a beloved staple that's sure to satisfy both young and older appetites. While it may seem like it takes time to prepare, you'll find it's a straightforward and rewarding recipe. If you give it a try, please let me know how long it takes you, and I’ll improve the timing for future cooks!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (raw)
Green Pepper
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Garlic Powder
1 tablespoon (none)
Italian Seasoning
1 tablespoon (none)
Small Shell Pasta
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
Mozzarella Cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Plain Pasta Sauce
1 1/2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
3
Add the finely chopped onions, green pepper, and celery to the skillet, stirring together with the ground beef. Continue to cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Mix in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, allowing the spices to coat the meat and vegetables evenly while cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
5
Return the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Pour in the pasta sauce and gently stir everything together until well combined.
6
Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
7
Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove from heat and let sit for an additional 5 minutes to set. Serve with garlic bread and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Family-Style Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta is best for this beef bake?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/2 cups of uncooked small shell pasta.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein is 1 lb of ground beef.
Which vegetables are included in the pasta bake?
The recipe includes finely chopped green pepper, onion, and celery.
How should I prepare the vegetables?
The onion, green pepper, and celery should all be finely chopped before cooking.
What spices are needed for the seasoning?
You will need 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
How much cheese is required for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Cook the onions, green pepper, and celery until softened, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Do I need to drain the ground beef after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after the ground beef is fully cooked.
What kind of pasta sauce should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 1/2 cups of plain pasta sauce.
What is the recommended texture for the pasta before baking?
The pasta should be cooked according to package directions until it is al dente.
How do I melt the mozzarella cheese on top?
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why does the recipe suggest letting the dish sit after cooking?
Letting the dish sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the heat allows the pasta bake to set.
What side dish pairs well with this cheesy beef pasta?
It is highly recommended to serve this dish with crispy garlic bread.
Is this a budget-friendly meal?
Yes, the description notes it is easy on the budget and uses simple ingredients.
Can I use a skillet for the entire cooking process?
While the pasta is boiled separately, the beef, vegetables, sauce, and cheese are all combined and finished in a large skillet.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Meat.
Is this recipe suitable for families with children?
Yes, it is described as kid-friendly and inspired by family dinners.
How long should I cook the spices with the meat?
Allow the garlic powder and Italian seasoning to cook with the meat and vegetables for 1-2 minutes.
What should I do if I want to help improve the recipe timing?
The author invites cooks to share how long the preparation takes so they can improve the timing for others.
What heat level should I use for browning the beef?
The beef should be browned in a large skillet over medium heat.
How much green pepper is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped green pepper.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
How much celery is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery.
What is the preparation status for the ground beef?
The ground beef starts as raw and is browned during the cooking process.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include comfort food, easy recipe, budget meal, and one-pot meal.
Is this a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and filling meal perfect for weeknights.
Do I need to use oil in the skillet?
Yes, start by heating a tablespoon of oil in the skillet before browning the beef.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
The recipe calls for small shells, but you could likely substitute other small pasta shapes like macaroni if needed.