Beef and Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe Easy and Delicious

Nothing beats a comforting, hearty meal that brings the whole family to the table with smiles and satisfied appetites. Our Beef and Vegetable Pasta Bake recipe is exactly that kind of dish — a perfect blend of savory ground beef, colorful vegetables, and tender pasta, all baked to bubbling, golden perfection.

It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you want something filling, flavorful, and fuss-free.

This pasta bake combines the richness of a homemade tomato sauce with the freshness of garden vegetables, layered with pasta and topped with melted cheese that creates a crispy, irresistible crust. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Plus, it’s flexible enough to accommodate your favorite veggies or whatever’s in season.

Get ready to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a weekly favorite. Let’s dive into making this delightful beef and vegetable pasta bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile — you can swap vegetables based on your preferences or what’s available.

It’s also a one-dish wonder, meaning fewer pots and pans to clean afterward, saving you time and effort.

The combination of ground beef and vegetables offers a balanced meal packed with protein and nutrients. The baked pasta absorbs all the flavors, creating a comforting, cohesive dish.

Additionally, this bake is perfect for meal prepping; leftovers taste even better the next day!

Finally, it’s easy to customize for dietary needs — for example, swapping regular pasta for gluten-free or adding spices for an extra kick. If you love hearty, wholesome meals that are easy to prepare, this beef and vegetable pasta bake will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 300g (10 oz) dried penne or rigatoni pasta
• 400g (14 oz) ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 150g (5 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 150g (5 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50g (1.75 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Equipment

• Large pot (for cooking pasta)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander (for draining pasta)
• 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Oven mitts
• Grater (for cheese)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). This ensures the oven is ready to bake your pasta to perfection once your sauce and pasta are prepared.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Prepare the beef and vegetable sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the garlic, red bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
5. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, and chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable sauce until evenly coated.
8. Assemble the bake: Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the layer.
9. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining cheese. This layering helps create a cheesy, golden crust on top.
10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
11. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired for a touch of color and added flavor.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine when sautéing the vegetables and beef.”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables such as spinach, carrots, or peas to boost nutrition and variety.
• Cheese options: Try mixing mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a different cheesy flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky heat twist.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Meal prep: This pasta bake keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated, and leftovers can be reheated easily.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef and vegetable pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices make great side accompaniments to soak up any leftover sauce.

For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also complement the bake beautifully. If you want to make it a more festive meal, serve with a glass of red wine like a Merlot or Chianti, which will enhance the tomato and beef flavors.

Conclusion

This beef and vegetable pasta bake is a perfect example of comfort food that’s both wholesome and easy to prepare. With its rich tomato-based sauce, tender pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables, it offers a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

The recipe’s flexibility means you can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs, making it a practical choice for any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish delivers on flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Don’t forget to try out some other delicious recipes on our site like Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals or Baked Lasagna Recipe Vegetarian Sanjeev Kapoor Delight for more inspiration.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

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