This Four Cheese Pasta Bake combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich blend of four cheeses baked to golden, bubbly perfection. With simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s the ultimate comfort dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Table of Contents
- How to make this Four Cheese Pasta Bake
- Tips and Tricks
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pin For Later
- If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share & save on Pinterest! Be sure to follow along with everything Rosie and I Heart Recipes on social media—you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Four Cheese Pasta Bake
Hey Cousins! Are you looking for a pasta dish that’s loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness and a hint of herbaceous flavor? This Four Cheese Pasta Bake is a cozy, satisfying dinner that feeds a crowd. It’s got all the things we love – tender pasta, savory ground beef, and not one but four kinds of cheese! Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is a surefire hit.
Shopping List
- Diced tomatoes (28 oz): Adds a subtle tangy sweetness and moisture to the bake.
- Cottage cheese (1 ½ cups): A surprise ingredient that gives the dish a creamy base without being heavy.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds richness and a slight tang.
- Broth (2 cups): Use vegetable or chicken broth for extra flavor and to help cook the pasta.
- Seasonings: 1 tsp each of salt, garlic powder, dried basil, parsley; ½ tsp each of dried oregano and ground black pepper – the perfect blend of spices to complement the cheesy layers.
- Chickpea fusilli pasta (16 oz): A healthy twist, but feel free to use your favorite pasta!
- Ground beef (1 lb): For a hearty, meaty addition.
- Shredded cheeses: Parmesan (1 cup), mozzarella (½ cup), cheddar (½ cup), and Havarti (½ cup) – each adds a distinct flavor and melts to perfection.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness at the end.
How to make this Four Cheese Pasta Bake
- Preheat and Prep:
Set your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13” baking dish with cooking spray. This dish is about to become your new best friend! - Mix It All Together:
In a large bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, cottage cheese, sour cream, broth, and spices. Add in the pasta and ground beef, and stir everything together like you’re making the best party invitation ever. - Layer the Love:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Now comes the cheesy magic! Sprinkle on the parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar, and Havarti. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover with foil (spray the foil with cooking spray to keep that cheese where it belongs—on the dish, not the foil!). - Bake and Wait:
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once you remove the foil, bake for another 5-10 minutes to get that cheese melted and bubbly. - Rest and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let the pasta bake rest for about 10 minutes—trust me, the flavors meld beautifully during this time. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips and Tricks
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and add more veggies like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Switch up the pasta: Not a fan of fusilli? Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work just as well.
- Customize the cheese blend: Swap out Havarti for Gruyère, or mozzarella for fontina—have fun with your cheese choices!
- Meal prep: This dish is perfect for leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, and it’ll taste just as good as day one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Four Cheese Pasta Bake is comfort food at its finest. It combines creamy cheeses, al dente pasta, and savory beef into one heavenly dish. The best part? You can make it all in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, this pasta bake will leave everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Plus, who can say no to a dish topped with a cheesy, golden crust?
Pin For Later
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share & save on Pinterest! Be sure to follow along with everything Rosie and I Heart Recipes on social media—you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Four Cheese Pasta Bake
This Four Cheese Pasta Bake offers a perfect blend of creamy cheeses, tender pasta, and seasoned beef, making it a comforting dish for family meals or gatherings. Easy to prepare with straightforward ingredients, this recipe ensures a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp parsley
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 16 oz chickpea fusilli pasta or preferred pasta
- 1 lb ground beef cooked
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Havarti cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13” baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cottage cheese, sour cream, broth, salt, garlic powder, basil, parsley, oregano, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Add the uncooked pasta and cooked ground beef to the mixture, stirring to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour the prepared mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar, and Havarti cheeses evenly across the top, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray (to prevent the cheese from sticking). Place the dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and achieve a golden finish.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor and texture. If desired, garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
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Sounds great! I’m going to try it! Thanks
Can you use 2 lbs of ground beef in this recipe?
You will be changing the recipe, but you can give it a try.
Good morning and Looks Delicious. Must try! Thanks for sharing this recipe. Have a blessed day