Print

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Creamy Sauce

A tempting square slice of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Creamy Sauce, featuring macaroni and browned meat under a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A simple, hearty recipe for a baked pasta casserole featuring seasoned ground beef in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with more melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni or medium shells
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
  6. Slowly whisk in the milk and beef broth until the mixture thickens slightly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  8. Stir in 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  9. Fold the cooked ground beef mixture, the cooked pasta, and the frozen peas (if using) into the cheese sauce until everything is coated.
  10. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden brown.
  12. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a tangier flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt stirred in at the end.
  • You can use different cheeses like Gruyère or Colby Jack for variety.
  • Add 1/2 cup of drained diced tomatoes with the beef mixture for a hint of tomato flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/cheesy-ground-beef-pasta-bake-with-creamy-sauce/