Dinner

Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake Recipe

ByElla Hart April 22, 2026April 22, 2026

Introduction

This Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Combining tender fusilli pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce and melted mozzarella, it delivers satisfying warmth in every bite.

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with baked rotini pasta layered with a red meat sauce and melted white cheese on top, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. A woman's hand holds a silver spoon lifting a serving, revealing spiraled pasta coated in red sauce with bits of ground meat and stretched melted cheese. The baking dish sits on a green cloth on a white marbled surface, with a glass of water and lemon slices and a small bowl of grated cheese blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

14 oz fusilli pasta
1 lb ground beef
26 oz pasta sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tsp Italian seasoning
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp pepper
3/4 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
8 oz mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
Fresh basil, for topping
Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Measure out the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes into a small bowl. Shred the mozzarella cheese and set aside.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions. Drain the pasta without rinsing and set aside.
Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Reduce heat to medium and stir in the pasta sauce, tomato paste, and spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until hot and well combined.
Step 4: Transfer the cooked pasta to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and gently fold until evenly coated. Spread into an even layer and top with shredded mozzarella.
Step 5: Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned at the edges. Check around 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Scatter torn fresh basil on top and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and creaminess compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Substitute fusilli with penne or rigatoni if preferred; these shapes hold sauce well too.
For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
Try mixing in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Avoid overcooking to keep the pasta from becoming mushy.

How to Serve

A clear glass baking dish sits on a white marbled surface with a green cloth underneath, filled with several layers of rotini pasta covered in a rich red meat sauce mixed with ground beef, topped with melted white cheese that is stretchy as a spoon lifts a serving. The spiral pasta is a warm orange-red, the meat sauce is chunky and brownish-red, and the cheese on top is creamy white with green chopped herbs scattered for garnish. In the background, there is a glass of water with lemon and green leaves, and a small white bowl with grated cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or other sturdy pasta shapes work well as they hold the sauce nicely without becoming soggy.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the pasta bake up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.