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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Creamy Sauce

Close-up of a hearty slice of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Creamy Sauce, topped with melted mozzarella.
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Prepare a hearty, comforting pasta bake featuring seasoned ground beef mixed into a rich, creamy cheese sauce, then baked until bubbly.

Ingredients

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  • 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 penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. In a separate large pot, combine water and milk. Bring to a boil. Add dry pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  6. Add the cooked pasta, cream cheese cubes, and cheddar cheese to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts and the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a less dry bake, stir 1/4 cup of extra milk into the sauce mixture before topping with mozzarella.
  • You can substitute cottage cheese for cream cheese for a slightly different texture.
  • Use your favorite short, sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well.

Nutrition

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