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Cheesy Ground Beef and Pasta

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

This Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake is pure comfort in a casserole dish. Tender elbow macaroni is tossed with a rich, tomatoey ground beef sauce, creamy sour cream, and a generous amount of melty cheddar and Parmesan. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a hearty, family-friendly dinner that feels like a warm hug on a busy night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the beef and tomato mixture, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, the sour cream, and half of the grated Parmesan (1/4 cup). Stir until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan evenly over the top.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest melt and best flavor; pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce less creamy.
  • Slightly undercook the pasta by a minute or two; it will finish cooking in the oven and stay pleasantly firm.
  • If the top browns too quickly before the center is hot, loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • This bake thickens as it cools. If you prefer it saucier, add a splash more tomato sauce or a couple tablespoons of pasta cooking water when mixing.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Casserole, Pasta Bake
  • Method: Stovetop, Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 450 kcal (approx.)
  • Sugar: 7 g (approx.)
  • Sodium: 820 mg (approx.)
  • Fat: 24 g (approx.)
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g (approx.)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g (approx.)
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g (approx.)
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g (approx.)
  • Fiber: 3 g (approx.)
  • Protein: 25 g (approx.)
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg (approx.)

Keywords: cheesy ground beef pasta, pasta bake, creamy beef pasta casserole, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef recipes

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/cheesy-ground-beef-and-pasta/