Ultimate Beef and Cheesy Pasta Bake
This Ultimate Beef and Cheesy Pasta Bake is the pinnacle of comfort food, combining tender, seasoned beef with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, perfectly blended with spiral pasta for a delightful texture. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to be a family favorite at your dinner table. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers. Whether it's a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering, this satisfying pasta bake will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy this hearty dish that has been perfected for taste and convenience, and watch it become a staple in your cooking repertoire!
6
Servings
367
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
bacon
2 slices (fat removed and finely chopped)
carrot
1 (finely chopped)
ground beef
500 grams (1 pound) (minced)
condensed tomato soup
440 grams (14 oz) (undiluted)
tomato paste
1/3 cup
ketchup
1 tablespoon
oregano
1 teaspoon
spiral shaped pasta
150 grams (uncooked)
grated cheddar cheese
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bacon, and carrot. Sauté until the carrot is tender, approximately 8 minutes.
3
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as you stir.
4
Once the beef is cooked, add the undiluted condensed tomato soup, tomato paste, ketchup, and oregano. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5
While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the spiral pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
6
Fold the cooked pasta into the beef mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
7
Transfer the mixture into a greased deep oven-proof dish (8-cup capacity). Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
9
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Ultimate Beef and Cheesy Pasta Bake!
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
33
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Beef and Cheesy Pasta Bake?
It is a comfort food dish featuring seasoned ground beef, a rich tomato-based sauce, spiral pasta, and a layer of melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What are the calorie counts for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 150 grams of uncooked spiral shaped pasta.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) before baking.
Does this recipe include bacon?
Yes, it uses 2 slices of bacon with the fat removed and finely chopped.
What vegetables are in the sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onion, garlic cloves, and a finely chopped carrot.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 500 grams (1 pound) of minced ground beef.
What type of tomato base is used for the sauce?
The sauce uses 440 grams of undiluted condensed tomato soup, 1/3 cup of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of ketchup.
How long should the beef mixture simmer?
The beef and sauce mixture should simmer for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
How long does the pasta bake in the oven?
It bakes uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 20 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 33 grams of carbohydrates.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased deep oven-proof dish with an 8-cup capacity is required.
How should I cook the pasta?
Cook the spiral pasta according to the package instructions until al dente and drain before adding to the beef.
Can this dish be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is a fantastic option for meal prep as it reheats beautifully.
What oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 chopped garlic cloves.
What seasoning is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of oregano for seasoning.
Should the baking dish be covered in the oven?
No, the pasta bake should be baked uncovered.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned on top.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite and a staple for weeknight meals.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be finely chopped and sautéed until tender, about 8 minutes.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The fat should be removed and the slices should be finely chopped.
Do I need to dilute the tomato soup?
No, use the condensed tomato soup undiluted.
What step comes after browning the beef?
Once browned, add the tomato soup, tomato paste, ketchup, and oregano to the skillet.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow the pasta bake to cool slightly before serving for the best texture.