Description
This comforting ground beef pasta bake combines perfectly al dente fusilli with a rich, flavorful meat sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and fresh basil. This hassle-free casserole is baked to bubbly, golden perfection and makes a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 14 oz fusilli pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 26 oz pasta sauce (preferably Rao’s Homemade)
- 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
Cheese and Garnish
- 8 oz fresh shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, torn into small pieces
- Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prep Spices and Cheese: 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 for quick use later. Shred the mozzarella cheese and set it aside to streamline the cooking process.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the fusilli. Cook the pasta for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions to keep it slightly al dente. Drain the pasta without rinsing to preserve starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, reduce heat to medium and stir in the pasta sauce and tomato paste. Add the prepared spice mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, pour the cooked pasta. Add the meat sauce and gently fold to coat the pasta evenly. Spread the mixture into an even layer.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and edges slightly browned. Check around 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Scatter torn fresh basil over the top and finish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook pasta initially; undercooking by a few minutes prevents mushiness after baking.
- Use fresh shredded mozzarella for better melting and creaminess compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Rao’s Homemade pasta sauce adds a deep, authentic flavor, but any good quality pasta sauce can be used.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: ground beef pasta bake, baked pasta casserole, comfort food, fusilli bake, easy dinner recipe, mozzarella pasta bake
