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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/beef-and-pasta-casserole-recipe/