Classic Creamy Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Classic Creamy Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender pasta with a rich cream sauce, savory ground meat, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 250g pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 2 cups cream sauce
- 300g ground meat (beef, turkey, or your choice)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Salt, pepper, and herbs for seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs as desired.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cream sauce, and cooked meat. Mix thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Step 6: Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add sautéed onions and garlic to the meat before mixing.
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer taste.
- Try adding vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 160°C (320°F) oven until heated through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pasta other than penne or rigatoni?
Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, macaroni, or farfalle works well in this bake.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground meat and add your favorite vegetables or substitute with plant-based meat alternatives.
PrintClassic Creamy Pasta Bake Recipe
This Classic Creamy Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender pasta, rich cream sauce, savory ground meat, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it offers layers of creamy texture and satisfying flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300 grams dried pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Cream Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Ground Meat
- 400 grams ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper as needed
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the dried pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the ground meat mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Make the cream sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the heavy cream over low heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and cook gently until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
- Combine pasta, sauce, and meat: In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, cream sauce, and ground meat mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake until golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the pasta bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving, letting the creamy layers set for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make this gluten-free.
- For a spicier version, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Creamy pasta bake, baked pasta, cheesy pasta casserole, ground meat pasta bake, comfort food
