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Homemade Loaded Beefy Rotini Pasta Bake recipe photo
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Loaded Beefy Rotini Pasta Bake

This Loaded Beefy Rotini Pasta Bake is hearty, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors with melty cheeses and crispy turkey bacon—perfect for easy weeknight dinners!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 15 ounces kidney beans 1 can, drained and rinsed
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce 1 can
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup turkey bacon cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • Save some pasta water before draining to add if the bake seems too dry.
  • Mix half of the cheese inside the pasta mixture to ensure even melting and creaminess.
  • Simmer the sauce longer to reduce excess liquid if the sauce is watery.
  • Cook turkey bacon separately until crispy for best texture on top.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze well without cheese topping for up to 3 months.