Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake

Alright, let’s dive into the delightful world of comfort food! In my kitchen, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a bubbling pasta bake filling the air, promising a hearty and satisfying meal. This Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake recipe has become a true family favorite in our home. From the moment I first pulled it out of the oven, golden brown and irresistibly fragrant, I knew it was a winner. Even my pickiest eater, who usually approaches new dishes with a healthy dose of skepticism, devoured a generous portion and asked for seconds! The combination of rich beef, sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked pasta, all melded together under a blanket of melted cheese, is simply divine. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, creating warm memories and happy tummies. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a weekend gathering, this Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake is guaranteed to be a hit. Trust me, your family and friends will thank you for it – mine certainly do!

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: (1.5 lbs) The star of the show, providing rich, savory flavor and hearty protein. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, or use regular ground beef for extra richness.
• Pasta: (1 lb) Penne pasta is recommended for its ridges that hold sauce beautifully, but you can also use ziti, rigatoni, or other similar pasta shapes.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: (28 oz) Forms the base of our flavorful tomato sauce. Opt for good quality diced tomatoes for the best taste. You can also use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
• Tomato Paste: (6 oz can) Adds concentrated tomato flavor and richness to the sauce. A small amount goes a long way in deepening the flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil: (1 cup, packed) Provides a bright, aromatic, and slightly sweet herbal note that complements the tomatoes and beef perfectly. Fresh basil is key for the best flavor.
• Onion: (1 large, diced) Forms the aromatic foundation of the sauce, adding sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks.
• Garlic: (4 cloves, minced) Essential for adding a pungent, savory kick that enhances all the other flavors in the dish. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred.
• Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) Adds a warm, slightly peppery and earthy flavor that is classic in Italian-inspired dishes and complements the basil and tomato.
• Dried Thyme: (1 teaspoon) Provides a subtle, earthy, and slightly minty flavor that adds complexity to the sauce without overpowering the other herbs.
• Red Pepper Flakes: (½ teaspoon, optional) Adds a touch of heat and spice to the dish. Adjust the amount to your preference or omit entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Beef Broth: (½ cup) Adds moisture to the sauce and helps to deglaze the pan, incorporating all those delicious browned bits of flavor.
• Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) Used for sautéing the vegetables and ground beef, adding a fruity and healthy fat to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: (2 cups, shredded) Provides a melty, gooey, and cheesy topping that is essential for a pasta bake. Use low-moisture mozzarella for better melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: (½ cup, grated) Adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor that complements the mozzarella and adds depth to the cheesy topping.
• Salt: (To taste) Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: (To taste) Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor, balancing the other seasonings.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Pasta: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when you place the pasta bake inside, promoting even cooking and melting of the cheese. While the oven preheats, cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. “Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is cooked through but still firm to the bite. This is important for pasta bakes as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven and you don’t want it to become mushy. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Rinsing the pasta after draining is generally not recommended for baked pasta dishes as the starch on the surface helps the sauce adhere better.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the diced onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter quickly. Stir constantly during this step to prevent burning. Cooking the onion and garlic first in olive oil is crucial as it releases their aromatic compounds, building a flavorful base for the entire sauce.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon or spatula and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. As the beef cooks, continue to break it up into smaller pieces. Drain off any excess grease. Browning the beef is a critical step as it develops rich, savory flavors through the Maillard reaction. Draining excess grease will prevent the final dish from being too oily.
4. Build the Tomato Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Cooking the tomato paste intensifies its flavor and removes some of its raw acidity, resulting in a richer, sweeter sauce. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – these bits are packed with flavor!
5. Simmer and Thicken Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a richer flavor. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, creating a more complex and delicious sauce. The sauce will also thicken slightly as it simmers. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.
6. Incorporate Pasta and Basil: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta and fresh basil. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. The heat from the sauce will gently wilt the basil, releasing its fragrant aroma. At this stage, taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta mixture in the skillet. Then, top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Distributing the cheese in layers ensures that there is cheese throughout the bake and a generous, melty topping.
8. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the pasta bake and remove it when the cheese is perfectly melted and golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the pasta bake to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too watery. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, if desired, for a fresh and vibrant touch. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximately based on 8 servings. Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Servings: 8
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal per serving
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fat: 20-25g

Note: These are estimated values and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25-30 minutes (This includes chopping vegetables, browning beef, and preparing the sauce.)
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes (This includes simmering the sauce and baking the pasta bake in the oven.)
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes (From start to finish, including preparation and cooking.)

This Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake is a relatively straightforward recipe, but allowing ample time for preparation and cooking ensures the best flavor development. The simmering time for the sauce is crucial for deepening the flavors, and baking time is essential for melting the cheese and creating that perfect golden-brown crust. While it takes over an hour in total, much of this time is hands-off, allowing you to multitask or relax while the dish cooks itself to delicious perfection.

How to Serve

This Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake is a complete meal in itself, but you can enhance your dining experience with these serving suggestions:

• Side Salad:
  • Classic Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crisp romaine lettuce provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta bake.
  • Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A light and tangy vinaigrette-dressed salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes offers a fresh and healthy side.
  • Caprese Salad: Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complements the Italian flavors of the pasta bake beautifully.
• Bread:
  • Garlic Bread: Buttery, garlicky bread is a classic accompaniment to pasta dishes and perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
  • Crusty Italian Bread: A simple loaf of crusty Italian bread is great for dipping and enjoying alongside the pasta bake.
  • Breadsticks: Serve warm breadsticks for a fun and easy side that everyone will love.
• Vegetables:
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
  • Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice offer a simple and nutritious vegetable side.
  • Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic provides a healthy and easy green vegetable addition.
• Drinks:
  • Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with the rich tomato sauce and beef.
  • White Wine: A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can also complement the dish, especially if you prefer white wine.
  • Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is refreshing and palate-cleansing.
  • Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea is a classic and refreshing choice that pairs well with many meals.
• Dessert:
  • Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert that provides a sweet and coffee-flavored ending to the meal.
  • Cannoli: Crispy and creamy cannoli are another delicious Italian dessert option.
  • Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad is a simple and healthy dessert choice.
  • Gelato or Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate gelato or ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser.

Additional Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake

1. Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor of the final dish. Use good quality canned diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and flavorful ground beef. Investing in better ingredients, even if slightly more expensive, will elevate the taste of your pasta bake significantly.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the baked dish. Test the pasta a minute or two before the package directions suggest to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.
3. Brown the Beef Properly: Take your time to brown the ground beef well. This step is crucial for developing rich, savory flavors. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the beef instead of browning it. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
4. Simmer the Sauce for Deeper Flavor: Simmering the tomato sauce for at least 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen. The longer you simmer (up to 30 minutes), the richer and more complex the sauce will become. Low and slow simmering is key to a flavorful sauce.
5. Fresh Basil is Key: While dried basil can be used in a pinch, fresh basil provides a much brighter and more vibrant flavor. Add it at the end of the cooking process to preserve its fresh aroma and flavor. Consider adding some basil stems to the simmering sauce for extra depth of flavor, removing them before adding the pasta.
6. Customize Your Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses would also work well. For a sharper flavor, consider adding a bit of Pecorino Romano cheese.
7. Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can be added to the sauce while it simmers. Sauté harder vegetables like peppers and zucchini with the onions. Spinach can be stirred in towards the end of the simmering process.
8. Make it Ahead of Time: This pasta bake is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While penne is recommended for its sauce-grabbing ridges, you can easily substitute other pasta shapes like ziti, rigatoni, or even shells. Just make sure to use a similar amount of pasta (around 1 pound) and cook it al dente. Smaller pasta shapes like macaroni might also work, but the texture will be slightly different.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. To replace the beef, consider using plant-based crumbles, lentils, or even finely chopped mushrooms. For a mushroom substitution, sauté the mushrooms with the onions and garlic to develop their flavor before proceeding with the sauce. Ensure your beef broth is replaced with vegetable broth to maintain vegetarian status.

Q3: Can I freeze Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake?
A: Yes, this pasta bake freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers. Assemble the pasta bake but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, or bake directly from frozen, adding about 20-30 minutes to the baking time and ensuring it’s heated through to the center.

Q4: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: To increase the spice level, you can add more red pepper flakes, use a spicier variety of diced tomatoes (like fire-roasted tomatoes), or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You could also include a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the onions and garlic for a more intense heat.

Q5: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: While fresh basil is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh basil. Add dried basil to the sauce while it simmers to allow its flavors to infuse properly. However, for a truly vibrant and fresh basil flavor, try to use fresh basil, especially for garnishing at the end.

Q6: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
A: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, you can easily transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish after combining the sauce and pasta. Follow the remaining steps for topping with cheese and baking as directed in the recipe.

Q7: Can I add wine to the sauce?
A: Yes, adding a splash of red wine to the sauce can enhance its flavor. After browning the beef and before adding the diced tomatoes, deglaze the pan with about ½ cup of red wine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly before proceeding with the rest of the sauce ingredients. A dry red wine like Chianti or Merlot works well.

Q8: How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?
A: Leftover Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for convenience. Adding a splash of water or beef broth when reheating in the oven can help prevent it from drying out.

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