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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Creamy Sauce

Close-up of a hearty serving of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake with creamy sauce and melted, browned cheese on top.
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Make this hearty, one-dish ground beef pasta bake featuring a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a golden, bubbly topping. This is an easy family casserole perfect for dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, ziti, or rotini)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Prepare the creamy sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
  7. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  8. Remove the sauce from the heat. Whisk in the cream cheese cubes, dry mustard, and nutmeg until completely smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
  9. Combine the cooked pasta, the ground beef mixture, and the creamy cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix well.
  10. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  11. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
  12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden brown.
  13. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, brown the ground beef well before adding the onions.
  • You can add 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots) to the beef mixture during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
  • Use any short, sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as rigatoni or cavatappi.

Nutrition

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