Easy Beef Marinara Bake Cozy Crowd-Pleaser

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

This Easy Beef Marinara Bake is a delightful and straightforward dish perfect for busy weeknights. With layers of seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it makes for a mouthwatering dinner that the entire family will enjoy.

Ideal for those seeking an easy dinner recipe, this dish combines ground beef with marinara and pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare.

Simple and Delicious Beef Marinara Bake

This Beef Marinara Bake features savory ground beef cooked in a rich marinara sauce, layered with pasta and topped with gooey cheese. The recipe takes about 50 minutes to prepare and cook, serving approximately 6 people.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta, uncooked
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir until well combined.

Assemble the Bake: In a greased baking dish, add half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese, then add the remaining pasta mixture on top. Finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve hot.