A comforting, oven-baked pasta casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This family-friendly dinner is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Beef
– 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, drained slightly
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth or pasta water
For the Cheesy Topping
– 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Brown the beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add the aromatics. Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Make the sauce. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the beef broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Combine the pasta and sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and mix until every piece is coated with the beef sauce. Stir in ½ cup of the mozzarella and ¼ cup of the cheddar for extra cheesiness.
7. Assemble the casserole. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and garlic powder over the top.
8. Bake until bubbly. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden in spots, and bubbling around the edges.
9. Rest and garnish. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Beef Pasta Casserole
– Cook the pasta slightly under al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
– Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
– For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or a handful of baby spinach to the beef sauce.
– For a creamier casserole, stir in ½ cup of ricotta cheese or ¼ cup of cream before baking.
– For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Storage and Reheating
– Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
– Oven reheating: Cover with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. Add a splash of broth if the pasta looks dry.
– Microwave reheating: Heat individual portions in short intervals, stirring if needed.
Nutrition Information
Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings.
– Calories: 520
– Protein: 31 g
– Total Fat: 23 g
– Saturated Fat: 11 g
– Carbohydrates: 46 g
– Fiber: 4 g
– Total Sugars: 7 g
– Net Carbohydrates: 42 g
– Cholesterol: 85 mg
– Sodium: 850 mg
Nutrition may vary depending on the pasta, beef fat percentage, cheese brands, and added salt.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding about 10–15 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
Q2: Which pasta shape works best?
Penne, rotini, rigatoni, and ziti all work well because they hold the sauce and cheese.
Q3: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef. Add a little extra seasoning if needed.
Q4: How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Avoid overcooking the pasta, use enough sauce, and cover loosely with foil if the cheese browns too quickly.
Q5: Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the beef sauce.
Q6: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach are delicious additions. Cook watery vegetables before mixing them into the casserole.
Q7: How do I know when it’s ready?
The cheese should be melted and bubbling, and the center should be steaming hot. If checking with a food thermometer, aim for 165°F (74°C) throughout.
Q8: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Freeze it before or after baking in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for more even reheating.
Recipe Notes
– Diet: High-protein comfort food; not low-carb because it contains regular pasta.
– Allergens: Contains milk and wheat/gluten. Check packaged ingredients for additional allergens.
– Nuts: No nuts are required in this recipe. Check ingredient labels and cross-contact warnings if cooking for someone with a nut allergy.
– Beef safety: Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before combining it with the other ingredients.
Enjoy this cheesy, hearty Beef Pasta Casserole with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a satisfying family meal.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
- Grandma’s Cream Puffs – Light, Crisp & Creamy - October 17, 2026
- Easy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken - October 17, 2026
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes - October 17, 2026
