Description
Cheesy Beef Pasta Dish is a crowd‑pleasing, easy dinner that layers al dente pasta with savory smoked beef, rich tomato sauce, and a generous blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella. The baked casserole delivers comforting flavors and a golden cheesy crust in about 45 minutes. Ideal for weeknight meals, it serves six and pairs well with a green salad and crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground smoked beef
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup grape juice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the ground smoked beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and brown until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, grape juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a 9×13‑inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta, then half of the beef sauce, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers, ending with the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5‑10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version
- add a pinch of red pepper flakes or substitute smoked beef with beef chorizo. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave. Nutrition is approximate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
Keywords: Cheesy Beef Pasta Dish, easy pasta recipe, cheesy beef casserole, family dinner ideas, quick beef pasta, baked pasta dish, comfort food pasta, Italian beef bake