Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that will satisfy your cravings? Look no further than this Cheesy Baked Pasta with Creamy Meat Sauce. Packed with tender pasta, a rich and creamy meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, providing all the flavors you crave in one satisfying bite.

The combination of marinara sauce and heavy cream creates a velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, while the ground beef or sausage adds hearty, savory depth. Topped with a generous amount of melted cheese, this baked pasta is an indulgent treat that’s guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy and Creamy: The rich combination of marinara, cream, and melted cheese creates an irresistible creamy sauce that’s perfect for pasta.
Hearty and Filling: This dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it both filling and satisfying.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.
Customizable: You can switch up the protein (ground beef or sausage) or cheese to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Perfect for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or rigatoni)

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef or sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella and cheddar)

For Serving:

Garlic bread (optional, for serving)

Variations

Use Different Meats: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or go all-out with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Add Vegetables: Add some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for more veggies.
Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
Different Cheeses: Try mixing different cheeses like provolone, Parmesan, or Gouda for a unique flavor twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat, if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Meat Sauce

Stir in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish. Top with the shredded cheese, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Pasta

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pasta in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also broil it for a minute or two at the end to get a golden, crispy cheese top.

Step 8: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
Use Full-Fat Cream: For the creamiest sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but it may be less rich.
Don’t Skip the Cheese: The cheese is a key element in this recipe, so be sure to use a generous amount for a gooey, delicious topping.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just refrigerate the dish before baking.

How to Serve

Serve this Cheesy Baked Pasta with Creamy Meat Sauce with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. For a fun twist, you can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in the oven until warmed through.

Freezing

This baked pasta freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely before covering with plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, ziti, or any short pasta works well for this dish. Choose your favorite!

2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought marinara works great in this recipe, but homemade marinara sauce can make it extra special.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken would be a leaner option for this dish.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the meat and use plant-based sausage or mushrooms as a substitute.

6. What cheese should I use for the best results?

Mozzarella and cheddar cheese are great options, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or Gouda.

7. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

8. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before wrapping it up and storing it in the freezer.

10. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the meat and then add the sauce and other ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add the cheese at the end.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Pasta with Creamy Meat Sauce is a go-to comfort food that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please. With its hearty meat sauce, creamy texture, and cheesy topping, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Serve it for a weeknight family dinner or at your next gathering, and watch it disappear quickly!