Pasta Bake

Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to any meal. With layers of pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy cottage cheese, this recipe is sure to please your family and friends. It’s also a great way to combine simple ingredients into a delicious and filling meal.

Why Make This Recipe

Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. It’s easy to prepare, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal that can feed a crowd, making it an ideal choice for parties or family dinners. The combination of flavors and textures keeps everyone happy and satisfied.

How to Make Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rigatoni or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 24-ounce jar tomato sauce
• 1 16-ounce container 2% or whole milk cottage cheese
• 1 8-ounce bag shredded Italian blend cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
3. Cook the pasta for about 10 minutes or just 1 to 2 minutes before the package directions say; the pasta should still be firm. Drain the pasta.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which takes about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
6. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook until it’s warm, about 3 to 4 minutes.
7. Add the drained pasta to the beef and sauce mixture, stirring to combine.
8. Pour half of this mixture into a 13×9 inch casserole dish.
9. Make dollops of cottage cheese on top, then cover with half of the shredded cheese.
10. Spread the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
12. Let the Pasta Bake sit for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Pasta Bake

Serve your Pasta Bake warm, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for extra flavor.

How to Store Pasta Bake

If you have leftovers, let the Pasta Bake cool down to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Pasta Bake

• Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling.
• Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar for a varied taste.

Variation

You can easily customize Pasta Bake. Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with roasted vegetables or cooked lentils.

FAQs

1. Can I make Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.

2. What should I do if I don’t have cottage cheese?
You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

3. How can I make Pasta Bake spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the beef while cooking to give it a kick.

Enjoy your delicious Pasta Bake! It’s a simple meal that everyone will love and crave again.

Pasta Bake

A comforting and hearty dish made with layers of pasta, ground beef, and creamy cottage cheese, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce

• 1 pound rigatoni or penne pasta Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
• 1 24-ounce jar tomato sauce

Cheese Layer

• 1 16-ounce container 2% or whole milk cottage cheese Can substitute with ricotta or cream cheese.
• 1 8-ounce bag shredded Italian blend cheese Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
• Cook the pasta for about 10 minutes or just 1 to 2 minutes before the package directions say; the pasta should still be firm. Drain the pasta.

Cooking

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in the tomato sauce and cook until it’s warm, about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add the drained pasta to the beef and sauce mixture, stirring to combine.

Assembly and Baking

• Pour half of the pasta mixture into a 13x9 inch casserole dish.
• Dollop the cottage cheese on top, then cover with half of the shredded cheese.
• Spread the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
• Let the Pasta Bake sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for extra flavor. If you have leftovers, store tightly covered in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keyword Baked Pasta, Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Pasta Bake