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Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole

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Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is a hearty, comforting bake loaded with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese — perfect for an easy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

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

Notes

  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition