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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta Bake

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This creamy garlic butter beef pasta bake is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty casserole perfect for busy weeknights. With a rich garlic butter sauce, savory ground beef, and plenty of melty cheese, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne, rigatoni, or ziti pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% or 90% lean)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
  • Olive oil, for tossing pasta

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink (about 6-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor. Transfer beef to a bowl and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  6. Slowly pour in milk, whisking to combine and avoid lumps.
  7. Stir in cream cheese, letting it melt into the sauce until creamy and thick.
  8. Add grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until glossy and smooth.
  9. Return cooked beef to the skillet with the sauce. Mix well.
  10. Add drained pasta and toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  11. Pour the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  12. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Optionally, add more Parmesan or a few dots of butter.
  13. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
  14. Remove foil and bake another 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  15. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  16. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, undercook the pasta slightly before baking to prevent mushiness. Brown the beef well for extra flavor. You can assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate before baking; add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if cold. For a gluten-free version, use GF pasta and flour. Add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta bake, beef casserole, creamy garlic pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy pasta bake, family dinner

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