Easy One-Pan Creamy Beef Pasta Bake (High-Protein Family Dinner)

Name: Easy One-Pan Beef Pasta Bake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 12 oz dry pasta; 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce; 2½ cups bone broth (or water); 1 ½ cups full-fat cottage cheese; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

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If you need a comforting dinner that doesn’t leave your kitchen a disaster, this one-pan beef pasta bake is it. Creamy, high-protein, and made with simple ingredients, it’s the kind of meal your whole family will ask for again.

One-Pan Creamy Pasta bake ready to eat in a cast iron skillet on a cutting board with a plaid napkin and small white bowl of parmesan cheese

Easy, nourishing meals are always a huge win in my house- lots of protein is even better! I created this one-pan beef pasta bake on a busy homeschool afternoon when I needed something warm, filling, and simple- without covering my kitchen in dishes. I wanted a cozy, high-protein dinner that would nourish my family well, keep us satisfied, and still feel like comfort food we could gather around at the end of the day. This one hits all those marks and now it is a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy– Everything cooks in one pan for minimal cleanup and a stress-free dinner.
High-Protein & Filling– Ground beef and cottage cheese make this meal satisfying and nourishing.
Family-Friendly– Creamy, cheesy comfort food that everyone at the table will love.
Perfect for Busy Seasons– No matter what the day holds this recipe makes dinner feel manageable.

Ingredients Breakdown

a flat lay of the ingredients needed for this recipe

Ground Beef – Adds flavor and quality protein to make this beef pasta bake filling and satisfying.
Pasta – The hearty base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
Marinara Sauce – Brings classic Italian flavor and makes the sauce simple without extra prep.
Cottage Cheese – The secret to extra protein and creamy texture without feeling heavy.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully on top for that bubbly finish.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a depth that balances the creaminess.
Garlic & Italian Seasoning – Simple pantry staples that elevate the flavor effortlessly.
Water or Bone Broth – Helps cook the pasta right in the skillet while adding extra richness if you use broth.

How to Make the One-Pan Creamy Pasta Bake

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe details.

ground beef, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic in a cast iron skillet cooking with a wooden spoon

1. Brown the Beef
In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or oil) and cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

adding the bone broth, marinara and pasta to the ground beef mixture in the cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon

2. Add the Pasta & Sauce
Pour in the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and water or bone broth. Stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

adding the cottage cheese into the pasta mixture in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon

3. Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the cottage cheese until evenly combined and creamy.

adding the parmesan and mozzarella cheese to the top of the pasta bake in the cast iron skillet

4. Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top. Broil for 2–4 minutes until melted and bubbly.

5. Let it Rest
Let the pasta bake sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and makes it even more comforting.

the pasta bake resting on a cutting board in the cast iron skillet with a plaid towel next to it

Recipe Tips

For the best flavor, don’t overcook the pasta. If you’re simmering it in the skillet, cook it just until tender since it will continue to soften as it rests.

As the pasta cooks, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure everything cooks evenly in the sauce.

Once it’s finished cooking, let the pasta bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and settle, giving you that perfectly creamy texture.

For the richest result, use full-fat cottage cheese. It melts more smoothly and creates a creamier, more balanced sauce.

If you choose to broil the cheese on top, watch it closely. It can go from golden and bubbly to burnt very quickly.

And if you want to boost the nourishment without changing the flavor, stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for an easy, wholesome addition.

How to Store & Reheat

Allow the pasta bake to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, warm in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, milk, or bone broth to loosen the sauce, then cover and heat gently until warmed through. Stir occasionally to keep it creamy and prevent sticking.

Freezer Option
Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad tossed in a light dressing for a bright contrast to the creamy pasta.
Add roasted broccoli or green beans for an easy vegetable side that keeps the meal nourishing and balanced.
Pair with warm sourdough bread or garlic toast if you want something extra hearty to soak up the sauce.
Serve smaller portions alongside a big chopped salad with cucumbers and tomatoes for a lighter option.
Finish with fresh berries and whipped cream if you’re hosting or want a simple, cozy dessert to round out the meal.

pasta bake spooned into a white bowl with parmesan on top with the cast iron skillet in the back with a plaid napkin

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken both work well if you prefer a lighter option. You may want to add a little extra seasoning for flavor.

Yes. You can prepare it fully, let it cool, and refrigerate before reheating in the oven. It also tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Yes, this one-pan beef pasta bake freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven for best texture.

You can substitute ricotta cheese if preferred. However, cottage cheese adds more protein and keeps the sauce creamy without being too heavy.

More One-Pan Meals You’ll Love

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
12 oz dry pasta
1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
2½ cups bone broth or water
1 ½ cups full-fat cottage cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp sea salt or to taste
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions

Heat butter (or oil) in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and bone broth. Bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Lower the heat and stir in the cottage cheese until fully combined and creamy.
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top. Broil for 2–4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture.
Stir occasionally while boiling to prevent sticking.
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra nourishment.

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