Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish packed with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Baked to perfection, this casserole is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- A perfect blend of cheesy, meaty, and savory flavors
- Feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers
- Customizable with different vegetables and cheeses
- A great make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- Ground beef
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Heavy cream or milk (optional for a creamier texture)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft. Add minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Make the sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or milk.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked pasta with the beef sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Vegetable-packed: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Different meats: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Creamy version: Mix in ricotta or cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 2 months. If freezing unbaked, thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni holds the sauce well.
Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?
Yes, jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce can be used for convenience.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Can I make this without dairy?
Use dairy-free cheese and substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven for the best texture or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes and cook them down to release their juices.
How do I add more protein?
Mix in cooked ground sausage, bacon bits, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
What cheese melts best for this dish?
Mozzarella provides stretchiness, cheddar adds flavor, and Parmesan enhances the savory taste.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the beef mixture first, then layer everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. With its rich, cheesy layers and hearty beef sauce, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: V
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty baked pasta dish loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce to the beef and stir well.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Slowly add milk, stirring continuously until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Combine the pasta, beef mixture, and cheese sauce. Pour into the baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture.
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