Cheesy Pasta Bake Recipe

Looking for the best pasta bake recipe? This cheesy pasta bake is loaded with layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

This easy pasta bake uses simple ingredients like penne, ziti, or rigatoni paired with ground beef or Italian sausage for a flavorful, hearty dish. Plus, it’s customizable—swap in your favorite veggies, protein, or make it a vegetarian pasta bake.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. pasta (ziti, penne, or rigatoni)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 egg, whisked
• 2 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 lb. ground beef (or substitute with Italian sausage, see notes)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon EACH: onion powder and Italian seasoning
• 2 jars (24 oz. each) marinara sauce (Rao’s or homemade recommended)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, whisked egg, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Set aside.

Cook Pasta

2. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than al dente, then drain. This prevents mushy pasta during baking.

Make the Sauce

4. In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef with diced onions over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
5. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Stir in marinara sauce and heat through. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Pasta Bake

7. Combine the drained pasta with ¾ of the sauce mixture and transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Add dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by the remaining meat sauce.

Bake the Pasta

9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
11. Increase oven temperature to 400°F and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

Serve and Garnish

12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy and Comforting: Layers of melty cheese and savory pasta make this dish a family favorite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or feeding a crowd.

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Tips

1. Prevent Mushy Pasta: Undercook the pasta slightly before baking—it will absorb the sauce while cooking.
2. Extra Flavor: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
3. Cheese Tip: Shred your mozzarella for better melting and texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce.

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FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 extra minutes to the covered bake time if chilled.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze pasta bake?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Wine Pairing: A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements this dish beautifully.
• Leftover Ideas: Use leftovers as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or layer with more cheese for a mini lasagna.

This ultimate pasta bake is hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying—perfect for any occasion!