Cheesy Baked Pasta with Creamy Meat Sauce

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a hearty dish of Cheesy Baked Pasta with Creamy Meat Sauce. Layers of tender pasta, rich, creamy meat sauce, and ooey-gooey melted cheese—what’s not to love? This baked pasta is perfect for those cozy family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

I’ve been making this dish for years, and every time I serve it, it’s met with cheers and second helpings. There’s just something about the combination of cheesy goodness and savory meat sauce that makes this baked pasta irresistible. It’s a dish that brings people together, warms you from the inside out, and fills your home with the most delicious aroma while it bakes.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to feed a hungry family or a dish to bring to a potluck, this cheesy baked pasta with creamy meat sauce is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s super customizable—you can swap out the pasta, add veggies, or change up the cheese depending on what you have on hand. So, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The creamy meat sauce is the star of this dish, made with a combination of ground beef, marinara, and heavy cream for an ultra-luxurious texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Ooey-Gooey Cheese: Layers of mozzarella and Parmesan melt into the sauce, creating a bubbly, golden crust that’s hard to resist.
• Family-Friendly: This is a dish that both kids and adults will love. It’s flavorful without being overly spicy, and the cheesy, pasta-filled goodness appeals to everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This baked pasta can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
• Customizable: You can use any pasta you like, substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef, and even toss in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: 600 calories

Ingredients

For the Creamy Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or sausage)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth (optional for extra depth of flavor)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (or any short pasta)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional for a creamy layer)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). You want the pasta slightly undercooked since it will finish cooking in the oven.

Drain the pasta and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Set it aside.

Pro Tip: Undercooking the pasta ensures it won’t become mushy when baked in the sauce.

2. Make the Creamy Meat Sauce

While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Season the meat with oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the flavors cook together for a minute.

Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth (if using), and stir everything together. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Now, for the creamy magic—stir in the heavy cream. This transforms the meat sauce into a rich, luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and creamy.

Pro Tip: If you want extra flavor, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce as it simmers.

3. Preheat the Oven and Assemble the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.

Now, it’s time to assemble the dish! In the greased baking dish, add half of the cooked pasta. Pour half of the creamy meat sauce over the pasta and spread it out evenly.

Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. If you’re using ricotta or cottage cheese, dollop spoonfuls over the pasta layer as well for an extra creamy texture.

Add the remaining pasta on top, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.

4. Bake the Pasta

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

For an extra crispy top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

5. Let It Rest and Serve

Once the cheesy baked pasta is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and makes it easier to slice into nice portions.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color, and serve with crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.

How to Serve

This Cheesy Baked Pasta with Creamy Meat Sauce is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ways to round it out:

• With Garlic Bread: Serve this dish with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• With a Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the richness of the pasta. Try a Caesar salad, or a mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• As a Potluck Dish: This baked pasta is ideal for potlucks or family gatherings. It can be made ahead, baked, and transported easily.
• Wine Pairing: A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti pairs beautifully with the rich meat sauce and cheese. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing choice.

Additional Tips for Perfect Cheesy Baked Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta is key. It will continue cooking in the oven, and you don’t want it to turn mushy.
2. Use Good-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
3. Customize the Meat: You can use ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage, depending on your preference. For a leaner option, go with ground turkey or chicken.
4. Add Vegetables: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
5. Make It Ahead: You can assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
6. Double the Recipe: This dish freezes beautifully! Double the recipe, bake one for now, and freeze the second one for a future meal. Simply thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add plant-based meat crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a little heat.
• Cheesy Alfredo Pasta: Replace the marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce and the meat with chicken for a rich, creamy twist on baked pasta.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
• Pasta Bake with Sausage and Peppers: Swap the beef for Italian sausage and toss in sautéed bell peppers and onions for an Italian sausage and pepper spin on this dish.

Storing and Freezing Cheesy Baked Pasta

Storage:

Store leftover baked pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Freezing: This pasta bake freezes very well! Assemble the dish as directed but don’t bake it. Instead, cover the unbaked pasta tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven to make the creamy meat sauce. A Dutch oven is great because it distributes heat evenly, allowing the sauce to simmer gently.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This dish size is perfect for a family-sized baked pasta recipe. If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, you can halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch dish.
• Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly, so invest in a good-quality grater for shredding mozzarella and Parmesan.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini works well in this dish. Just be sure to cook it al dente.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the pasta up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving.

Can I freeze baked pasta?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked assembled dish for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

What can I substitute for the heavy cream?
If you want to lighten up the sauce, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still delicious.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
Be sure to cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to trap in moisture. Removing the foil at the end will allow the cheese to brown without drying out the pasta.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Pasta with Creamy Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners, entertaining, or make-ahead meals. With its layers of rich, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and bubbly cheese, it’s a dish that will bring smiles to everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this baked pasta is sure to be a hit.

I can’t wait to see how your cheesy baked pasta turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and share your creation—I’d love to see your delicious results. Enjoy your cozy, cheesy pasta night!

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