1-Getting started: Getting started with this cheesy beef pasta bake is straightforward and fun. First, preheat your oven to 350°F and get your ingredients ready for a smooth process. Begin by boiling salted water and cooking the pasta 2-3 minutes short of the package’s al-dente time, then rinse it with cool water to stop the cooking. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft in the oven.

2-Browning the beef and adding sauce: Next, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Once done, add the pasta sauce, tomato paste, and all the seasonings including 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning blend, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder and mix well. Heat this through for a few minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.

3-Baking the pasta: Now, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top it with the 8 ounces of shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, then bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely. For a nice golden touch, broil it for a couple of minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Serve hot with optional chopped fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese, alongside a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.