Budget Baked Ground Beef Pasta: Comfort Food Without Breaking the Bank

Baked pasta is a classic comfort food, perfect for weeknight dinners and potlucks alike. This budget-friendly baked ground beef pasta recipe is delicious, easy to make, and won’t break the bank. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it a convenient and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a great base recipe that you can customize with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and spices. The ground beef provides a hearty protein source, while the pasta adds a satisfying carbohydrate element. Baking it all together allows the flavors to meld and creates a cheesy, bubbly top that’s irresistible. Unlike some baked pasta dishes that require precooking the sauce for a very long time, or multiple pans, this recipe streamlines the process by using a simple, flavorful sauce that cooks in the oven alongside the pasta. This saves time and effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its accessible ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:

• Pasta: Opt for a short pasta shape like penne, rotini, ziti, or elbow macaroni. These shapes hold the sauce well and create a satisfying texture. Aim for about 1 pound (16 ounces) of dry pasta.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to minimize grease. You’ll need about 1 pound. Ground turkey or ground chicken are also acceptable substitutes.
• Tomato Sauce: A large (24-28 ounce) jar or can of your favorite tomato sauce forms the base of the sauce. For a richer flavor, consider using crushed tomatoes or tomato puree.
• Tomato Paste: A small can (6 ounces) of tomato paste adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients are essential for building flavor. One medium onion and a few cloves of garlic are all you need.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds a classic Italian flavor. You can use a pre-made mix or create your own using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
• Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is the classic choice for baked pasta, providing a melty, gooey topping. Shredded cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses can also be used. You’ll need about 2-3 cups.
• Optional Add-ins: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat.
• Broth: Chicken or beef broth adds moisture to the pasta as it bakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your budget-friendly baked ground beef pasta:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and any optional spices (like red pepper flakes). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions, but cook it al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want it to become mushy. Drain the pasta.

6. Combine and Layer: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef sauce, and about half of the shredded cheese. Stir to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.

8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated through.

9. Rest and Serve: Let the baked pasta rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to slice. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Baked Pasta

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe and make it your own:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy during baking.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little beef or chicken broth to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmer it for a longer period to reduce the liquid.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate your favorite vegetables to add flavor and nutrients. Sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the sauce.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses. Ricotta cheese can be dolloped throughout the pasta before baking for a creamy texture. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat alternative.
• Use Different Meats: Feel free to use Italian sausage, ground chicken, or ground turkey instead of ground beef. Be sure to drain off any excess grease.
• Prepare Ahead: You can assemble the baked pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing: Baked pasta freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as penne, rotini, ziti, elbow macaroni, or rigatoni.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid depending on the consistency.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out during baking?

Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first part of baking helps to trap moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.

Can I add ricotta cheese to this recipe?

Yes, you can dollop ricotta cheese throughout the pasta before baking for a creamy texture.

How long does baked pasta last in the refrigerator?

Baked pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While convenient, freshly grated cheese melts better and has a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.

What temperature should I bake the pasta at?

The recipe calls for baking at 375°F (190°C).

How do I know when the pasta is done baking?

The pasta is done baking when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pasta is heated through. A fork inserted into the center should come out hot.