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Easy Cheesy 3-Ingredient Beef Pasta Bake

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A quick and comforting beef pasta bake made with just ground beef, pasta, and shredded cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and simple dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (elbow macaroni or penne recommended)
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil or butter (for browning beef)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of pasta and cook for about 7 minutes, or until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb (450 g) of ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and browned beef. Stir to evenly distribute.
  5. Sprinkle 2 cups (200 g) of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Fold some cheese into the mixture for gooeyness, leaving the rest on top to melt and brown.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish if mixed in a bowl and spread evenly.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta just shy of al dente to avoid mushiness after baking. Drain excess beef fat to prevent greasiness. Use sharp cheddar for best melt and flavor. Broil carefully to avoid burning cheese. Shredding your own cheese yields better melting than pre-shredded.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef pasta bake, cheesy pasta bake, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, 3-ingredient recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/easy-cheesy-3-ingredient-beef-pasta-bake-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/