Description

This Comforting Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring al dente fusilli pasta combined with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. Easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family meal, it balances rich umami flavors with comforting baked goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta bake:

14 oz fusilli pasta (Barilla recommended for a perfect al dente bite)
1 lb ground beef
26 oz pasta sauce (Rao’s Homemade preferred for best flavor)
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tsp Italian seasoning
0.75 tsp salt
0.75 tsp pepper
0.75 tsp onion powder
0.75 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
8 oz mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded for better melting and creaminess)

For the topping:

Fresh basil (torn into small pieces just before serving)
Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Prep spices and cheese: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Measure all spices (Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes) into a small bowl for quick use. Shred the mozzarella cheese and set aside, ensuring a smoother cooking flow.
Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the fusilli and cook for 2-3 minutes less than package directions to keep it slightly al dente as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta without rinsing to retain starch that helps sauce adhere, preventing mushy texture.
Cook and sauce beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, breaking it up and cooking until browned with no pink visible. Reduce heat to medium, stir in pasta sauce and tomato paste, then add pre-measured spices. Stir well and heat until thoroughly combined and hot, about 2-3 minutes, deepening the sauce’s flavor.
Combine pasta and sauce: Transfer cooked pasta to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and gently fold until the pasta is evenly coated. Spread into an even layer to ensure uniform baking.
Top and bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta mixture. Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until mozzarella melts, bubbles, and edges turn lightly browned. Check around 20 minutes for ideal cheese melt and bubbly golden edges.
Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Tear fresh basil into small pieces and sprinkle on top just before serving. Finish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra sharpness and richness.

Notes

Cooking pasta slightly underdone prevents mushiness after baking.
Not rinsing pasta retains surface starch for better sauce adherence.
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and creates creamier texture.
Tomato paste enriches the sauce’s umami flavor and thickness.
Resting after baking allows flavors to settle and serving to be easier.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Pasta Bake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: ground beef pasta bake, baked pasta, fusilli pasta recipe, comforting pasta bake, easy dinner, Italian pasta bake, mozzarella pasta bake