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
Scale
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.
