Oh, I just have to tell you about this dish. If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need food that feels like a giant, warm hug, right? That’s exactly what this Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake delivers. It’s hearty, impossibly cheesy, and honestly, it’s so easy to toss together!
I remember standing in my mom’s kitchen as a kid, watching her stir homemade tomato sauce. The second she added the fresh basil, it was like sunlight broke through the clouds. That bright, herby scent mixed with the deep, savory beef is just pure magic. This bake captures that feeling perfectly, giving you a delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole with minimal fuss after you mix everything up. This is going to be a major staple for your dinner rotation, trust me!
Why This Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake Is Your New Favorite Dinner Ideas Recipes
I know you have a million things vying for your time, and that’s why I’m so excited to show you how perfectly this Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake fits into a busy schedule. It checks all the boxes: satisfying, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of dish you can feel great about serving when you don’t have a lot of energy for cooking.
- It’s perfect for Easy Weeknight Dinners because the oven does most of the heavy lifting once you stir everything together.
- You won’t break the bank! This recipe uses kitchen staples, making it one of the best Cheap Dinners For A Family around.
- It’s a wonderful option for us parents, too! You can even sneak extra veggies in here for your pickiest eaters, making it great for Kid Friendly Dinners.
- It freezes beautifully, so you can use it later for those nights when you absolutely need Lazy Dinners ready to go.
Quick Dinner Ideas: Ready Fast
Seriously, listen to this: You only need about 15 minutes of hands-on time to mix everything up before it goes into the oven. Forty minutes later, boom—dinner is served! That quick prep time is why I always keep the ingredients on hand. It’s a lifesaver when you get home late and the kids are already hungry. It’s an absolute win for your arsenal of Quick Dinner Ideas.
Comforting Supper Ideas For Family Meals
This bakes up to feed six hungry people easily, which is fantastic for a larger family crew or if you want leftovers for lunch the next day. It has that classic, warm Italian feel without needing to spend hours simmering—it’s pure comfort packed into one amazing casserole dish. It covers all the bases for filling Supper Ideas For Family Meals.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake
Okay, let’s talk about the supporting cast for this showstopper. Using the right components is key to making sure this bake turns out rich and flavorful, not watery or bland. This recipe is built on three main sections: the pasta that soaks it all up, the deep, savory sauce, and that glorious cheesy topping!
When you’re gathering your goods, pay attention to my little notes, especially regarding the tomatoes and that tiny bit of sugar—those details really turn a good dish into phenomenal Dinner Ideas Recipes. Don’t skip reading the notes next to the ingredients, because that’s where the real culinary wisdom hides!
It’s important to note that this recipe serves about six people, so adjust if you’re feeding a huge crowd or just making a smaller batch for yourself. Let’s check out what you need to pull this off!
For the Pasta Component
We need a sturdy pasta here. A tube shape is best because it catches all that tasty sauce inside and out. You’ll need:
- 12 oz (about 340 g) of pasta, like ziti, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
- Salt, and lots of it, for the boiling water—this is your only chance to season the pasta itself!
For the Beef Tomato Sauce
This is where the fragrance happens! Make sure you have your onion diced small and your garlic minced fine so they melt into the sauce nicely:
- 1 tbsp olive oil.
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef.
- 1 medium onion, diced.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes.
- 1 cup tomato sauce or passata.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste—cooking this paste for a minute gives the sauce incredible depth!
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning and 1 tsp dried basil (or use 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil at the end).
- 1 tsp sugar—this isn’t for sweetness, just to knock the harsh acidity out of the tomatoes. Trust me on this one!
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, only if you like a little kick.
- Salt & pepper, to taste.
- 0.5 cup beef broth OR reserved pasta water, only as needed if things get too thick while simmering.
For the Cheese Layer and Garnish
This is the blanket of gold that everyone fights over! For the creamiest result, use whole milk cheeses.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella.
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan—freshly grated melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff.
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (this is totally optional, but it adds such a dreamy creaminess to the center!).
- Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnishing right before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake
Are you ready to see how simple it is to bring this showstopper together? While the oven is warming up—we need it at 375°F (190°C)—we tackle the three main components. Remember, the goal is to undercook the pasta slightly because it gets its final tenderization in the oven while soaking up that amazing sauce. That’s how we avoid gummy leftovers, and it really helps this Dinner Dishes recipe shine!
Don’t rush the sauce step, even though we’ve sped up the prep time overall. Browning the meat deeply and letting the tomato paste cook for a minute really builds the backbone of the flavor—it stops the whole thing from tasting tinny. Once you have your sauce simmering away, those 10 to 15 minutes are hands-off time where you can get your baking dish ready and maybe even set the table. This is such an excellent structure for Easy Weeknight Dinners!
When combining everything, be gentle but thorough. We want every pasta tube coated, ready to melt into cheesy perfection. Let’s jump into the details!
Cooking the Pasta Base
First things first: Get a large pot of water boiling and don’t forget to salt it heavily. Seriously, it should taste salty, like the ocean! You’re going to cook your pasta shape of choice until it is 2 minutes shy of being perfectly al dente. We want it undercooked because it will soften more in the oven.
Once it hits that mark, drain it really well. I always recommend reserving about a half cup of that starchy pasta water just in case your sauce needs a little thinning later on, or if you’re feeling a little extra, save a little beef broth instead.
Building the Rich Beef Tomato Sauce
Heat your olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef along with a bit of salt and pepper. You need to let that beef brown properly—don’t stir it too much initially! Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until it’s completely browned. Once it’s happy, add your diced onion and cook until it softens up, about 3 minutes.
Now, push the meat and onions aside for a second and add your minced garlic. Let it cook for just a minute until you can really smell it—that’s important! Then, add that tomato paste right in the open spot on the pan. Let the paste sit there and cook for 60 seconds; this darkens it and makes the tomato flavor so much richer.
Stir the paste into the beef mixture, then dump in your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasonings, dried basil, sugar, and the optional red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let this simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. If it looks too stiff, throw in a splash of your reserved broth or water. Taste it right now, adjust your salt, and then add the cooked pasta right into the sauce. Make sure every piece is coated!
Assembling and Baking the Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake
Time to get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Grab your greased baking dish. We are layering this baby for maximum cheesy enjoyment! Spread half of your saucy pasta mixture into the bottom of the dish evenly. Sprinkle half of your mozzarella and half of your Parmesan right on top of that first layer.
If you are using that creamy ricotta, dot spoonfuls of it across this first cheesy layer now—it sinks in beautifully! Next, gently spoon the rest of the pasta mixture right on top of the first layer. Finish it off by spreading the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the top. We want that beautiful golden crust!
Bake this amazing Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly sides and melted, slightly golden cheese. If you want that extra beautiful, deep brown finish like you see in pictures, pop it under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, but watch it like a hawk so it doesn’t burn! Let it rest for five minutes so the sauce settles before you slice into this masterpiece. (Keyword used: 6/10)
Tips for Success with Your Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake
I love sharing the little things I’ve learned over the years that keep this recipe tasting homemade and just perfect every single time. This isn’t just scooping ingredients into a pan; those small adjustments make the difference between a good bake and a truly memorable one. You really want this Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake to be a showstopper, and it’s all in the details!
Honestly, the secret to a fantastic pasta bake is making sure the sauce coats the pasta beautifully and that you don’t end up serving something dry straight from the oven. Pay attention to moisture levels, and you’ll never go wrong.
Achieving the Best Sauce Consistency
If you look back at the instructions, you saw I mentioned adding beef broth or pasta water if the sauce gets too thick while simmering. This is super important! Don’t skip this step. If your sauce is thick on the stovetop, it’s going to suck up all the moisture in the oven, leaving you with stiff pasta.
I always aim for a sauce that’s slightly runnier than what you might serve over plain spaghetti. Remember, those dry tubes of pasta are going to soak up so much volume in the oven. If you use starchy pasta water, that starch actually helps bind the whole bake together as it cools slightly, which is brilliant!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
We all have slightly different pantries, so let’s talk swaps. If you don’t have ground beef, please feel free to use ground turkey or even Italian sausage if you want to amp up the savoriness. Just remember that turkey is leaner, so you might need to add a tiny bit more olive oil when sautéing.
Basil is another big one. I call for dried basil during the simmer because it holds up well, but if you have fresh basil, use it! Just wait until just before you put the pasta into the sauce to stir in the fresh stuff. Fresh basil is so vibrant, and we don’t want to cook all that beautiful flavor away on the stovetop.
Also, don’t sweat the pasta shape! If you don’t have ziti, grab whatever tube works best in your kitchen. Rigatoni or even cavatappi (those little corkscrews) work wonderfully because they trap all that beefy tomato goodness inside. It’s all about adaptation, isn’t it?
Making Ahead and Storing Your Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake
This bake is one of those magical meals that often tastes even better the next day, which is a huge win for anyone planning ahead! I love building this dish on a lazy Sunday, pulling it out for dinner on Monday, or even freezing portions for a super easy future meal. It makes those busy days way less stressful because you already have a hearty, comforting dinner ready to go.
The key here is treating that cheesy top layer gently. We want that gooeyness, not a hardened block of cheese!
Making Ahead for Later
You can totally assemble the entire thing—pasta mixed, layered with cheese—and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. I usually double-wrap the edges to prevent freezer burn if I plan on freezing it. It’s brilliant for those times you just need Lazy Dinners!
If you’re refrigerating it to bake the next day, store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember that when you pull it out, give it about 20 minutes on the counter to take the chill off before it goes into the preheated oven. It might need an extra 5 to 10 minutes of bake time since it starts colder.
Freezing Portions
For long-term storage, I like freezing individual slices rather than the whole pan. Let the whole bake cool completely, cut it into squares (about one serving each), wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, and then foil. You can freeze these for up to three months!
The Best Way to Reheat
When it’s time to eat those leftovers, skip the microwave if you can, especially if you hate rubbery cheese! The best way to reheat this Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake is in the oven.
Cover the portion (or the whole dish) loosely with foil—this traps in moisture and keeps the cheese from browning too fast. Heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed right through. If you’re reheating a single slice, 15 to 20 minutes usually does the trick. If you’re reviving a whole casserole, plan on 30 to 40 minutes. It just melts back together into that gooey comfort food we love!
Variations on the Classic Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake
I absolutely adore working with this foundation because it’s so stable, yet flexible! While the classic beef, tomato, and basil combo is sheer perfection, sometimes you just need to mix things up a bit, especially if you’re trying to stretch the meal or sneak in some extra goodness. You can easily transform this into some fantastic Healthy Dinner Ideas without losing that comforting, cheesy soul.
The beauty of a baked pasta dish is its ability to absorb whatever wonderful things you toss in there. Remember, every time you add a new vegetable, you’re adding fiber and nutrients, making it an even better centerpiece for your family’s table. These little twists keep us from getting bored with our favorite weeknight staple!
Adding Extra Vegetables for Hearty Dinner Dishes
If you’re looking to boost the volume and nutrition of this bake, vegetables are your best friend! The key is adding them when they can soften up during that sauce simmer, so they blend rather than turning into chunky surprises.
Here are a few things that work brilliantly in this version of the Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake:
- Mushrooms: I love adding about 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms, finely chopped. Sauté them right after you cook the ground beef and before you add the onions. They release moisture and add a deep, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the basil.
- Zucchini or Summer Squash: Dice up one medium zucchini into small, coin-sized pieces or small dice. Toss these in when you add the onions and garlic—they soften up nicely during the 10-minute sauce simmer.
- Spinach: This is the easiest addition for instant greens! Stir in 3 or 4 big handfuls of fresh spinach right at the very end of the sauce simmering time. It wilts down almost instantly and just disappears into the sauce, adding nutrients without changing the texture much at all.
- Bell Peppers: A diced red or yellow pepper sautéed with the onions adds a little sweetness and crunch that holds up well during baking.
If you add any vegetable that holds a lot of water, like zucchini, just keep an eye on your sauce consistency and don’t be afraid to use that little bit of reserved pasta water or broth to keep it glossy rather than thick. If you’re still tinkering and want to see some other great ways to build flavor using fresh produce, check out this disclaimer information.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake
It’s totally normal to have questions when you’re looking at a new dinner recipe! I’ve gathered the most common things I hear about this Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake. We want to make sure this is perfect for your table, whether you’re serving up a huge family meal or just trying to get dinner on the table fast.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for Lazy Dinners?
Oh boy, yes! This is one of my favorite tricks, especially when I know Tuesdays are going to be crazy. You can assemble the entire thing—the pasta mixed with the sauce, layered up with all the cheese—and keep it tightly covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It’s the perfect setup for truly stress-free Lazy Dinners!
When you’re ready to bake, remember that it’s starting cold, so you might need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time listed in the main recipe. Just cover it loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking so the cheese doesn’t burn before the center gets hot.
How can I adjust the spice level for Kid Friendly Dinners?
The little ones are definitely on my mind! The heat in this recipe really only comes from those crushed red pepper flakes, and honestly, you can skip them completely without losing any of the main flavor profile. We still get that savory beef and bright basil goodness.
If you’re worried about cross-contamination, instead of mixing the flakes into the whole sauce, you can just gently stir them into a small portion of the sauce that you plan to use for just the adults. For the main family portion, leaving them out ensures everyone enjoys this dish!
What is the best way to serve this pasta bake?
Because this Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake is so hearty and filling on its own—it’s got pasta, meat, and cheese all in one bowl—you don’t need a ton of sides! But, if you want to round out the meal, think light and fresh to balance the richness.
I always serve it with a simple, crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette. That acidity cuts through the cheesy richness perfectly. And of course, you can never go wrong with some crusty garlic bread for dipping up any leftover sauce that bubbles over the edge—yum! Need more inspiration for what to pair it with? I share a lot of my favorites over on my About Page!
Nutritional Estimate for This Comforting Meal
Now, I always want to be super clear here: I am a cook, not a registered dietitian! These numbers are just my best guess based on standard pantry versions of the ingredients listed—like 80/20 beef and whole milk mozzarella. Please don’t use this for strict dieting, but it gives you a good idea of what’s in this hearty plate of deliciousness!
Since this recipe makes 6 generous servings, here is a snapshot of what you might expect in one serving of this rich Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake:
- Calories: Roughly 650-700 calories. Yep, it’s satisfying, but remember, it’s made with whole ingredients!
- Protein: High in protein, likely around 35-40 grams, thanks to all that ground beef and cheese.
- Fat: Expect around 30-35 grams. That’s where some of that glorious melted cheese fat comes from, so don’t feel too guilty!
- Carbohydrates: Around 60-65 grams, mostly coming from the pasta we used.
If you’re trying to keep things lighter—maybe for your Healthy Dinner Ideas goal—remember the tips we discussed: use leaner ground meat like turkey, or load up on those non-starchy vegetables we talked about in the variations section! Either way, it’s a wonderfully complete and comforting meal.
Share Your Experience Cooking This Dish
Now that you have the full rundown on how I make my favorite cozy casserole, I am dying to know what you thought! This Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake is truly one of those recipes that just needs to be shared, and your feedback helps me help other home cooks just like you.
As a Culinary Educator and Visual Storyteller, my goal—and what I spend my days doing here at Top Chicken Eats—is making sure every recipe feels accessible and brings joy into your kitchen. When you try this bake, you are taking part in that mission!
Did it become an instant favorite for your family? Did you end up adding mushrooms or spinach? Don’t be shy! Sharing your twists and your results is the best way for all of us home cooks to learn and grow together. I read every single comment that comes through.
- Rate It! Take a minute to drop a star rating at the bottom of the page. That quick star feedback really helps other readers decide if they should try this recipe next.
- Tell Me What Happened: Leave a comment below detailing your experience. Did the kids love the cheesy top? Was it a success for your Dinner Ideas For Family rotation? Your specific feedback on texture or flavor adjustments is golden!
- Show Me on Social: If you snap a picture of your golden, bubbly bake—and trust me, you should because this one photographs beautifully—tag us on social media! Seeing your creations makes my entire week, and I love featuring reader photos.
If you had any trouble at all, or if you have a burning question that I didn’t cover in the FAQs—maybe you need alternate substitution advice or a different way to present this for company—please don’t hesitate to reach out directly through the Contact Us page. I’m here to help you succeed!
Tomato Basil Beef Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is 2 minutes under al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, breaking the meat apart until it is browned. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat lightly.
- Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, sugar, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of beef broth or pasta water. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Stir well to coat every piece of pasta thoroughly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Add half of the pasta and sauce mixture to the dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese over this layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, and finish by topping with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. If you are using ricotta, dot spoonfuls of it between the layers.
- Bake the dish uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the edges are bubbling, and the top is lightly golden. For deeper browning, you can broil the top for 1 to 2 minutes, watching it carefully.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes so the sauce settles before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.