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Looking for a warm and comforting dinner that brings the family together? This Cheesy Beef and Pasta Bake is your answer! With a rich, meaty flavor and gooey melted cheese, this dish combines all the elements of a cozy weeknight meal. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Beef and Pasta Bake is a surefire way to please a crowd. Its layers of flavor and comforting textures make it an irresistible choice for dinner. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight!
- Comforting and hearty: A perfect blend of beef, pasta, and cheese.
- Easy to prepare: Minimal prep time with maximum flavor.
- Kid-friendly: A delicious way to get kids excited about dinner.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Pasta Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, beef mixture, and one cup of cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then stir it into the noodle and beef mixture until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion and garlic.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Use a mix of cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
Easy Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Swap out egg noodles for your favorite pasta shape, like penne or rigatoni.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with lentils or a meat substitute.
What to Serve With It
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, beef mixture, and one cup of cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then stir it into the noodle and beef mixture until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes: For an even heartier dish, consider adding vegetables such as spinach or zucchini to the mix.





















