Creamy Cheesy Baked Pasta

4 from 11 votes

Creamy Cheesy Baked Pasta, an easy creamy cheesy one pan oven baked pasta recipe, a delicious sauce made with ground beef, a family favourite.

Prep Time25

Cook Time25

Total Time50

Course: Main Course, Main Dish, Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings

Calories: 454kcal

Author: Rosemary Molloy

Ingredients

7-9 cups cooked short pasta dried pasta (14-17 ounces / 400-500 grams)

TOMATO SAUCE

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ pound lean ground beef
2½ cups tomato puree (passata)
1 clove of garlic chopped
1 teaspoon basil
3 leaves fresh basil
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon salt
1-1½ cups water

TOPPING

½ cup white sauce (store bought or homemade)
1 cup diced fresh mozzarella
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Pre heat oven to 350° (180°).
In a large oven proof pan or 10 inch skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and ground beef, brown, then add tomato puree, salt, basil, oregano, garlic and water stir to combine, add basil leaves and cook on medium heat, half covered until thickened (approximately 20-25 minutes).
While sauce is cooking. In a large pot of boiling salted water cook pasta al dente, (firm when you bite it) drain.
When sauce has thickened, add drained pasta and mix well to combine. Drizzle 1/2 cup of white sauce** and top first with diced mozzarella and then parmesan cheese. Bake for approximately 20 -25 minutes in a preheated 350° (180°) oven. Top with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Either homemade White Sauce or a good store bought if you prefer.

Notes

I like to use penne (ridged) or even rigatoni pasta.

How to store the baked pasta?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or you can freeze the pasta, bake it then cool completely, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition