Get ready to dig into this hearty, cheesy Cowboy Pasta Bake—a comforting dish full of savory goodness that’ll have you coming back for seconds! With perfectly seasoned beef, creamy pasta, and loads of melted cheese, this is the ultimate weeknight dinner you’ll crave.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
12 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Cooking spray, for greasing
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes so the flavors can blend.
4. Mix It All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, heavy cream, half of the cheddar, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Pour in the beef mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the pasta and beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
6. Bake:
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
7. Serve:
Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory magic of this Cowboy Pasta Bake!
Quick Facts:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Servings: 6
This delicious, cheesy cowboy casserole is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. Enjoy!