Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is one of those recipes that’s just meant for cozy nights in. It’s comforting, filling, and packed with flavor in every single bite. I don’t know about you, but there’s something about melted cheese, tender pasta, and savory beef that makes my heart (and stomach) feel extra happy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is the answer to your dinner needs. Not only is it ridiculously easy to make, but it’s also packed with all the classic flavors that everyone loves.
This recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to easy weeknight dinners that don’t skimp on flavor. It’s a classic comfort food dish that can be on your table in under an hour. And the best part? You can customize it with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or seasonings, making it a truly versatile meal. Whether you’re craving something hearty after a busy day, need a healthy comfort food option, or are simply looking for a quick and easy dinner, this Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is a perfect fit for your needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is all about that easy, family-friendly appeal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together effortlessly with everyday ingredients. If you’re looking for budget-friendly recipes that don’t take much prep work but deliver on taste, this one’s for you. The combination of ground beef, pasta, and melty cheese creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Plus, it bakes beautifully with a golden cheesy topping that’s impossible to resist.
What’s even better is that it’s perfect for meal prepping for busy weeknights. You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for those nights when you just don’t have the energy to cook. And as if that wasn’t enough, this casserole makes for the best leftovers—the flavors get even better the next day. You can also customize the dish to fit dietary needs by swapping in ground turkey or adding extra veggies. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone at the table happy, no matter their preferences.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What truly makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and versatility. The cheesy goodness that comes with every bite is matched perfectly by the hearty texture of the pasta and the savory depth of the seasoned ground beef. But here’s where the magic happens: the sauce. The tomato sauce and diced tomatoes combine into the perfect base, rich and full of flavor, and when mixed with the pasta and cheeses, it creates a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and undeniably delicious.
The beauty of this casserole is that you can easily add your own twist to it. Want to make it even heartier? Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Not a fan of beef? Switch it up with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. This dish is meant to be played with—it’s adaptable for any taste, and that’s what makes it so special. Whether you’re looking for a quick family meal or something to bring to a gathering, this casserole fits the bill every time.
Ingredients
Pasta
Ground Beef
Onion
Garlic
Italian Seasoning
Tomato Sauce
Diced Tomatoes
Cheddar Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Fresh Parsley
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so that your casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni all work great) and cook it according to the package directions, until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion. Sauté the mixture until the beef is browned and the onion has softened, about 5–7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Add the Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the garlic cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. This step is crucial for building the savory base that will flavor the casserole.
- Stir in the Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Now, pour in the tomato sauce and the diced tomatoes (undrained) into the beef mixture. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine the Pasta and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and add in the cooked pasta. Stir it all together, then fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making the entire mixture creamy and even more flavorful.
- Transfer to the Baking Dish: Once everything is well combined, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top. Then, add the rest of the pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust on top. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese looks perfectly melted and lightly browned on the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve it warm. The cheesy, savory aroma will fill your kitchen and have everyone gathered around the table in no time!
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: When cooking the pasta, be sure not to overcook it. You want it to be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when baked.
- Use Full-Fat Cheese for Better Melt: If you want the best melt and gooey texture, use full-fat cheese. The cheese is what makes this casserole creamy, so don’t skimp on it!
- Add Extra Veggies: Want to make this dish even more nutritious? Add in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra color and flavor. These veggies will cook right into the sauce and give the casserole a more complex taste.
- Leftovers Reheat Perfectly: This casserole is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make extra. The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, and they reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Ground Meat: If you prefer, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even ground Italian sausage. For a lighter version, lean ground turkey works great and still adds plenty of flavor.
- Cheese Variety: While the combination of cheddar and mozzarella is classic and delicious, you can easily switch up the cheeses. Try using Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of heat. You could even add in some Parmesan or Gruyère for a unique twist.
- Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Bell peppers, zucchini, and even kale make excellent additions to the casserole. Just sauté them in a little olive oil before mixing them in with the beef and sauce.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage instead of regular ground beef.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is great on its own, but it’s even better with some delicious sides:
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the richness of the casserole and add a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Bread: What’s a pasta dish without garlic bread? The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add some extra veggies, try serving the casserole with roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots. These roasted veggies will add a healthy, savory balance to the meal.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the creamy richness of the casserole. If you’re not a wine drinker, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon is a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
- Sides: Serve the casserole with buttered corn, a Caesar salad, or steamed broccoli for a balanced, complete meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storing: Store leftover Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole keeps well and makes great leftovers.
- Reheating: When reheating, cover the casserole with foil and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until hot. If you want the top to remain crispy, you can broil it for a minute or two after reheating.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Simply bake and cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s perfect for prepping ahead of time, especially if you know you’ll have a busy night coming up.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole after it has been assembled, but before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. If it’s too soft before baking, it will become mushy in the casserole.
- Not Draining Excess Grease: After cooking the beef, make sure to drain off any excess grease. Too much fat can make the casserole greasy and weigh it down.
- Not Letting the Casserole Cool: When you take the casserole out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. - What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works best as they hold the sauce and cheese well. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Just bake and cool it completely before freezing. Thaw overnight before reheating. - Can I add more veggies?
Yes! Feel free to add any veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor. - How do I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular ground beef.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking beef
- Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
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Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked pasta and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
