Looking for an easy and family friendly dinner idea? Check out this Texas Pasta recipe! It is loaded with lean ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and tons of delicious cheese.
As a busy mom, I am all about getting dinner on the table. I love sharing easy dinner ideas like crockpot recipes and sheet pan recipes but sometimes an old fashioned cheesy pasta bake is in order. Although it takes a little prep, this is a very simple recipe.
Everything is bigger in Texas including this recipe! This Texas baked pasta is made in a 9 x 13 inch pan and will feed a crowd. It is great for having leftovers or you can also freeze half for later too.
Jump to:
💭About this recipe
- Ingredients: I used Texas shaped pasta but you can also use macaroni or penne.
- Flavor: This is a mild pasta bake that is loaded with cheese. It is family friendly and kid approved!
- Method: You’ll need to brown the ground beef on the stove top and then it is hands off in your oven once you have the pasta bake assembled.
🥫 Ingredients needed
For this baked pasta recipe, you will need:
- Pasta: I used Texas shaped pasta since this is a Texas style recipe but you can also use penne or macaroni.
- Ground beef: I recommend using a lean ground beef.
- Pasta sauce: Use your favorite brand of pasta sauce. I used a tomato basil.
See the full ingredients list in the recipe card below.
🧂 Variations
You can use another pasta like macaroni or penne. Whole wheat pasta also works well.
I used lean ground beef but you could substitute the beef for ground turkey instead.
🔪 Equipment needed
You will need a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish for this recipe.
⏲️ Recipe instructions (step by step guide)
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the directions on the box (step 1). Next, in a large pot brown your ground beef with the diced onion and drain the fat (step 2).
Add in the pasta sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (step 3). Let simmer for about 10 minutes. While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and then add a layer of pasta (step 4).
Add a layer of half of your sauce and meat on top (step 5). Add half of the provolone, cheese, and sour cream (step 6). Repeat with the remaining half of your pasta, sauce, and cheese (step 7). Cover with foil and bake (step 8). Bake for 30 minutes and then bake the last 10 minutes uncovered so the cheese is nice and melted.
🥗 What to serve with this recipe
This recipe goes great with a nice green salad and garlic bread. I served it with this Copycat Carrabba’s Dessert Rosa for dessert.
👩🏻🍳 Tips
- Use a large pot or pan for the ground beef and tomato sauce so it can simmer properly.
- Add some fresh basil on top for a nice touch.
- Be sure to leave uncovered for the last few minutes of baking so the cheese is nice and melted.
🥡 How to store leftovers
Cover with the tray with aluminum foil or plastic storage wrap and store in your fridge. This pasta will be good for up to four days after making.
To freeze, transfer to a freezer safe dish. It will be good for three months in your freezer. Defrost in your fridge before reheating.
Other recipes you might like:
If you tried this Texas Pasta Recipe or any other recipe on my site, please leave a ⭐ rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I would love to hear from you!
Texas Pasta
Equipment
- 9 x 13 inch casserole dish greased
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound Texas shaped pasta or sub macaroni, penne, etc
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small white onion finely diced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce about 26 ounces each
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking your pasta according to the directions on the box
- Next, in a large pot brown your ground beef with the diced onion and drain the fat.
- Add in the spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes. While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and then add a layer of pasta.
- Add a layer of half of your sauce and meat on top. Add the sour cream, half of the provolone and mozzarella.
- Repeat with the remaining half of your pasta, sauce, and cheese. Add the grated Parmesan on top. Cover with foil and bake.
- Bake for 30 minutes and then bake the last 10 minutes uncovered so the cheese is nice and melted.
Christina says
When is the sour cream added?
Audrey says
Hi Christina, you can add it in the first layer before the cheese. I hope you like the recipe 🙂