Loaded Beefy Rotini Pasta Bake

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and utterly comforting pasta dish, look no further than this Loaded Beefy Rotini Pasta Bake. This recipe brings together perfectly cooked rotini pasta, savory ground beef, a medley of rich tomato sauces, and three types of melty cheese, all topped off with crispy turkey bacon crumbles. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. The layers of flavor and textures make it a satisfying dish that everyone will love digging into.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Loaded Beefy Rotini Pasta Bake earns its place in your recipe box for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly straightforward to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of ground beef, kidney beans, and a trio of cheeses creates a rich, filling, and balanced meal. Plus, the turkey bacon adds that unexpected crunch and smoky flavor that takes this pasta bake to the next level. It’s also versatile—swap out the beans or cheeses based on what you have on hand, and it still turns out delicious.

This dish is perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping because it reheats wonderfully. The rotini holds onto the sauce well, so you get that same comforting experience even days later. If you like recipes like this, you might also enjoy the Ground Beef Creamy Shells Pasta or the Baked Ziti Recipe for more cheesy, meaty pasta goodness.

The Ingredient Lineup

• 12 ounces rotini pasta – The corkscrew shape holds sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
• 1 pound ground beef – Provides hearty protein and rich flavor.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Gives a fragrant, savory punch.
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes – Forms the base of the sauce with a natural tang.
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – Adds fiber, texture, and balances the meat.
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce – Helps create a smooth, saucy consistency.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Brings a classic Italian herb flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – Sweet and peppery herb notes complement the tomato sauce perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle heat and depth.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and adds gooeyness.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Provides sharpness and vibrant color.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty finish.
• 1 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled – Gives a smoky crunch without overwhelming the other flavors.

Toolbox for This Recipe

• Large pot – For boiling the rotini pasta.
• Large skillet – To brown the ground beef and sauté onion and garlic.
• Large mixing bowl – To combine pasta, sauce, meat mixture, beans, and half of the cheese.
• Baking dish (9×13 inch) – Perfect size for layering and baking the pasta.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and mixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient amounts.

Directions: Loaded Beefy Rotini Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Rotini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to marry the flavors and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta and the beef-tomato sauce mixture. Add half of the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan on top, followed by the crumbled cooked turkey bacon.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly. For a crispier top, you can broil for an additional 2 minutes—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the bake to firm up for easier slicing.

If you love one-pot meals like this, don’t miss the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta for another flavorful and simple dinner idea.

International Equivalents

• Rotini Pasta – Can be substituted with fusilli, penne, or rigatoni depending on availability.
• Ground Beef – Lamb or chicken mince can be used as alternatives.
• Kidney Beans – Cannellini or black beans work well as substitutes.
• Turkey Bacon – Regular bacon or pancetta can be used if preferred.
• Cheeses – Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan can be swapped with locally available semi-hard cheeses.

Troubleshooting Tips

• The pasta bake is too dry: Make sure to save some pasta water before draining pasta and add a splash to the sauce if needed before baking.
• The cheese doesn’t melt evenly: Mix half of the cheese inside the pasta mixture to ensure creaminess; also cover with foil during baking if your oven tends to brown tops too quickly.
• The sauce is too watery: Simmer the sauce mixture longer before combining it with pasta to reduce excess liquid.
• The turkey bacon isn’t crispy: Cook it separately in a skillet or oven until crisp before adding to the top of the bake.

Best Ways to Store

Allow the pasta bake to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked pasta mixture (without cheese topping) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Questions People Ask

Can I make this Loaded Beefy Rotini Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the bake a day ahead, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives. You can also omit the turkey bacon or substitute it with a vegetarian bacon option.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely. While rotini holds sauce beautifully, penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni will work well in this recipe.

What can I serve with this pasta bake?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans complement this dish nicely, adding brightness and crunch to the meal.

One Pan, More Ideas

• Ground Beef Creamy Shells Pasta – A creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknights.
• Baked Ziti Recipe – Classic baked pasta with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese.
• One Pot Beef Taco Pasta – A fun taco-inspired pasta dish made all in one pot for easy cleanup.

The Takeaway

This Loaded Beefy Rotini Pasta Bake is a delicious, hearty dish that combines the best of comfort food with a simple prep and bake method. Its rich tomato-beef sauce, creamy cheese layers, and crispy turkey bacon topping make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for busy days, this pasta bake delivers on flavor, ease, and satisfaction. Keep this recipe handy, and you’ll have a go-to meal that feels special without the fuss.

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