If you are looking for a dish that brings together rich flavors, gooey cheese, and hearty beef all in one comforting package, this Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe is your go-to winner. It’s an inviting, family-friendly meal that perfectly balances savory ground beef with tender pasta, wrapped in layers of melty cheeses and robust tomato sauce. Every bite of this casserole promises warmth and satisfaction, making it a beloved classic for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this cozy Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to enhance the overall flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the savory ground beef and aromatic herbs to the trio of cheeses that make it irresistibly creamy, every component plays an essential role.
- 2 lbs ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty backbone that makes this casserole hearty and filling.
- 1 lb penne pasta: A sturdy pasta shape that holds up beautifully when baked and captures the sauce in every bite.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: Adds vibrant tomato flavor with herbs and garlic, perfect for layering.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Enhances the sauciness and gives a smooth, tangy base.
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into luscious, stretchy layers of cheesiness.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Offers a salty, nutty kick that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, dreamy texture that softens every forkful.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the cooked beef mixture.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth and a slight kick that elevates the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings herbal brightness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Lends a sweet, peppery freshness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter, earthy undertone that’s essential for Italian dishes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic, adding richness early on.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Sprinkles of green freshness to brighten the finished dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To enhance and balance all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Begin by boiling the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside because it will be combined later with the sauces and cheese. This step is crucial to ensure your pasta holds its shape and texture after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook them until translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about a minute—to release its wonderful aroma without burning. Now, turn the heat up to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it apart with your spatula as it browns thoroughly. Season generously with salt and black pepper. After the beef is cooked through, pour in the marinara and tomato sauces along with the Italian seasoning, dried basil, and oregano. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 10 minutes for the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of both the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses. Gently fold in the savory beef sauce mixture until every piece of pasta is coated in that cheesy, tomato goodness. This balance ensures each layer gets a perfect blend of creamy and meaty flavors.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer this delightful mixture into a baking dish, smoothing it out so it heats evenly in the oven. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top to form a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in, and bake in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil to let the top layer become irresistibly golden and bubbling as it bakes for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Once baked, pull the casserole out and allow it to cool for a few minutes to help the flavors settle and make serving easier. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that lovely pop of color and fresh scent. Now, your Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to sprinkle over the top, adding a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich and cheesy casserole. You could also experiment with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add some freshness and balance. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make fantastic accompaniments to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that are perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in. Alternatively, layer it in a clear glass dish so everyone can admire the beautiful melty cheese and saucy beef nestled between the pasta layers before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe is wonderful for leftovers. Simply cover the dish well with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
To save some for later, freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing pre-baked, cover tightly with foil and a layer of plastic wrap. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. For post-baked freezing, portion into containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the texture and cheesy topping. Microwaving works too, but be sure to cover loosely to avoid drying out and heat evenly by stirring if reheating a portion.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini work beautifully because they also capture the delicious sauce and cheese.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, lentils, or mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian version that still delivers on heartiness and flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it super convenient for busy days or entertaining guests.
What cheeses can I substitute if I don’t have ricotta?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese are good substitutes that provide a similar creamy texture. Just be mindful that flavors may vary slightly but still delicious.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or serving with a spicy chili sauce on the side can give the casserole a nice kick without overpowering the cheesy flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy dish that wraps you in comfort, and this Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe does exactly that in every delicious bite. It’s simple to prepare, full of wholesome ingredients, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the smiles around the table!
Print
Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a rich, savory ground beef sauce, layered with a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is a delicious family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s cravings for a cheesy, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Sauce
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese Mix
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown Ground Beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and oregano. Combine well and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix Pasta and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses. Gently mix in the beef sauce until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to blend.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a bright, fresh note.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other pasta types such as ziti or rigatoni based on preference.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- If you prefer a creamier casserole, increase the ricotta cheese to 1½ cups.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for better melting and richer flavor.
