26 Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipes You Need to Try

Who doesn’t love a cheesy, beefy, and utterly comforting pasta bake? It’s the kind of dish that brings families together, turns a bad day around, and fills the house with the most irresistible aroma.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for an easy dinner or a food enthusiast craving something indulgent, these 26 Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake recipes will have you running to the kitchen.
Each one brings a unique twist—some are creamy, some spicy, some packed with hidden veggies—but they all have one thing in common: a mouthwatering combination of ground beef, pasta, and loads of cheese.
Let’s dive in and find your next go-to comfort meal!
1. Classic Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake

Start with the original, a no-fail recipe featuring ground beef, marinara sauce, penne, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Bake until bubbly, and enjoy a foolproof dinner every time.
2. Creamy Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Bake

Take your cheesy obsession up a notch with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
The creamy texture makes every bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
3. Spicy Taco Beef Pasta Bake

Love tacos? Combine the best of both worlds by adding taco seasoning, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese to your pasta bake.
Serve with sour cream and crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
4. BBQ Beef Mac & Cheese Bake

This one’s a game-changer. Mix tangy BBQ sauce with ground beef, macaroni, and a smoky cheddar cheese sauce. A perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and cheesy.
5. Cheesy Baked Ziti with Beef

Ziti, ground beef, homemade tomato sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella—it’s Italian comfort food at its finest.
This dish is best when baked until golden and slightly crispy on top.
6. Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

Think of this as a cheeseburger in pasta form.
Combine seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, mustard, ketchup, and pickles for a meal that tastes like your favorite fast food but better.
7. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake

A rich and savory twist inspired by the iconic Philly cheesesteak. Use sliced beef, sautéed bell peppers, onions, provolone cheese, and pasta for a hearty dish.
8. Chili Cheese Beef Pasta Bake

Chili lovers, this one’s for you. Stir in kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and cheddar cheese for a spicy, warming meal that’s perfect for cold nights.
9. Garlic Butter Beef & Cheese Pasta Bake

For a more indulgent version, toss pasta in garlic butter sauce before adding beef and cheese. It’s simple but packed with deep, rich flavors.
10. French Onion Beef Pasta Bake

Inspired by French onion soup, this bake features caramelized onions, beef, beef broth, gruyère cheese, and crispy bread crumbs on top for a crunchy finish.
11. White Cheddar & Mushroom Beef Pasta Bake
If you love earthy flavors, this one’s a winner. The combination of white cheddar, mushrooms, and ground beef makes for a deep, umami-packed dish.
12. Buffalo Beef Mac & Cheese Bake
Add some heat with Buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and sharp cheddar. It’s got just the right balance of spicy and creamy.
13. Pesto Beef Pasta Bake
A fresh take on the classic—mix beef with basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan.
A great way to add herby flavors to a meaty dish.
14. Loaded Nacho Pasta Bake
If nachos were a pasta dish, they’d look like this.
Combine spiced ground beef, crushed tortilla chips, nacho cheese sauce, and black beans for an ultra-satisfying meal.
15. Italian Sausage & Beef Pasta Bake
Double up on the flavor by using both ground beef and Italian sausage. The extra seasoning from the sausage makes this dish incredibly savory.
16. Spinach & Ricotta Beef Pasta Bake
Want to sneak in some greens? Add fresh spinach and ricotta cheese to the mix. It makes the dish feel lighter while still being creamy and cheesy.
17. Smoky Chipotle Beef Pasta Bake
A Mexican-inspired twist using chipotle peppers, Monterey Jack cheese, and black beans for a smoky and spicy bite.
18. Creamy Alfredo Beef Pasta Bake
Instead of tomato sauce, use a rich Alfredo sauce, parmesan cheese, and ground beef for an ultra-creamy, decadent dish.
19. Stuffed Shells Beef Pasta Bake
Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory beef and ricotta mixture, topped with marinara and cheese—baked until perfectly golden.
20. Greek-Style Beef Pasta Bake (Pastitsio)
A Mediterranean spin using béchamel sauce, cinnamon-spiced beef, and penne pasta. It’s a comforting, layered dish with bold flavors.
21. Meatball & Cheese Pasta Bake
Instead of ground beef, use homemade meatballs tossed in marinara and baked with pasta and cheese for an extra meaty dish.
22. Loaded Baked Potato & Beef Pasta
A crazy but delicious mashup—seasoned beef, diced potatoes, cheddar cheese, and sour cream mixed with pasta for an ultra-cozy meal.
23. Teriyaki Beef Pasta Bake
For an Asian-inspired twist, toss beef in teriyaki sauce, mix with pasta, and top with sesame seeds and mozzarella cheese. Sweet, savory, and addictive.
24. Cheesesteak-Stuffed Manicotti
Manicotti tubes filled with beef, bell peppers, onions, and provolone cheese, baked in a light marinara sauce. It’s like a fancy, baked Philly cheesesteak.
25. Cajun Beef Pasta Bake
For a bold, Southern-inspired dish, season beef with Cajun spices, toss with pasta, and bake with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
26. Breakfast Beef Pasta Bake
Yes, you read that right! Mix scrambled eggs, ground beef, cheddar cheese, and pasta, and bake for a delicious brunch twist.
Final Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake
- Always use freshly shredded cheese—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t skimp on seasoning—beef and pasta absorb flavors, so add extra herbs, spices, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Cook pasta al dente before baking—this prevents mushy pasta after baking.
- Layer strategically—a mix of cheese inside and on top ensures maximum gooeyness.
Now, go grab your baking dish and get cheesy! Which one are you trying first?