Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole

Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish loaded with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s an easy, comforting dinner that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple, filling, and full of flavor. It’s made with everyday ingredients, comes together quickly, and bakes up beautifully with a golden, cheesy topping. Leftovers reheat well, and you can customize it with your favorite veggies or seasonings to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
4. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked pasta and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Makes about 6–8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: About 50 minutes

Variations

• Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.
• Top with buttered breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. What pasta works best for this casserole?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbows hold the sauce and cheese well.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. Bake and cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

4. How do I reheat leftovers?

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F or microwave individual servings until hot.

5. Can I make it spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

6. Is there a way to make it lighter?

Use lean ground beef or turkey and reduced-fat cheese.

7. What cheese is best for a casserole?

A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives the best melt and flavor.

8. Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes! Try zucchini, carrots, or kale for extra nutrition.

9. What should I serve with this casserole?

A green salad and garlic bread pair perfectly.

10. Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Yes! Replace the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with about 3 cups of your favorite marinara sauce.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is a warm, comforting classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for busy nights or sharing with a crowd. Make it once and you’ll want it in your regular dinner rotation!

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