Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This beef and pasta casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With a rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and a melty cheese topping, it’s sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Step 2: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Pour in tomato sauce and stir to combine. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Step 4: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the beef and sauce mixture until well combined.
6. Step 6: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Layer half the pasta mixture in the dish, then sprinkle half the mozzarella and parmesan over it.
7. Step 7: Add the rest of the pasta mixture, followed by the remaining cheese on top.
8. Step 8: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different melty texture.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from cold.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne or rigatoni are ideal as their hollow shapes hold the sauce well, but any short pasta like ziti or rotini will also work nicely.

Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

This hearty Beef and Pasta Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked together with a gooey blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe balances savory flavors and cheesy goodness in a convenient one-dish meal.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Sauce

• 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute to develop flavor.
2. Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for a well-balanced savory taste.
3. Simmer Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce and stir to combine with beef mixture. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Prepare Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 9-11 minutes depending on pasta type. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent sogginess.
5. Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the drained pasta with the beef and tomato sauce mixture until well combined for even distribution of flavors.
6. Assemble Casserole – Layer 1: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture, then evenly sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over it.
7. Assemble Casserole – Layer 2: Add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese, followed by the rest of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top, creating a cheesy crust upon baking.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese gently.
9. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese topping turns golden brown and bubbly for a delicious finish.
10. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

• Use penne or rigatoni pasta as they hold up well in casseroles.
• For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
• Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
• Adding a layer of ricotta cheese before the top cheese layer can make the casserole even creamier.

Keywords: beef casserole, baked pasta, ground beef recipe, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner, easy casserole