Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that perfectly balances comfort and bold flavor, the Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole is your new secret weapon. With layers of savory beef, melty cheese, and saucy pasta all bubbling together in one dish, it’s everything you crave after a long day. This is a casserole that delivers on coziness, cheesy satisfaction, and pure convenience, making it a weeknight staple you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its approachable, classic ingredients—each one playing an important role in creating unbeatable flavor and texture. Even better, there’s nothing fancy or fussy here: just simple items that come together for a truly special meal.
- Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for rich, meaty flavor without excess grease.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and a flavor base that elevates the sauce.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, bring a punch of aromatic delight.
- Marinara or pasta sauce: One 24 oz jar brings in both moisture and depth; use your favorite brand or homemade.
- Italian seasoning: Just half a teaspoon infuses every bite with classic herb notes.
- Salt and pepper: Taste as you go to balance and bring out the flavors.
- Pasta: Penne, rotini, or ziti all work well to cradle the sauce and cheese.
- Ricotta or cottage cheese: A creamy addition that gives body to the casserole—choose whichever you prefer.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy pull on top and inside.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty note and helps brown the cheesy crust.
- Olive oil: Just a bit, for greasing the baking dish and preventing any sticking.
- Chopped parsley or basil (optional): Fresh herbs add color and a final bright, fragrant touch to finish.
How to Make Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking, so every delicious piece of Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole comes out perfectly intact. This simple prep makes cleanup a breeze and guarantees nothing gets left behind!
Step 2: Sauté Beef, Onion, and Garlic
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, for 6 to 8 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and fragrant. If there’s any extra fat, drain it off. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until you smell that wonderful garlicky aroma.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Add the jar of marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet with your beef mixture. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes—this step really helps all those flavors meld and develop. Once it’s bubbling and smelling amazing, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 4: Cook and Combine the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook your pasta of choice in a big pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain well, and return the cooked pasta to the pot. Now, for the best part: stir in the beefy tomato sauce, ricotta or cottage cheese, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan. Mix thoroughly so every noodle is cozily coated and loaded with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole
Pour the cheesy, saucy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle over the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create that irresistible golden crust. You’re building layers of flavor that all bake into pure comfort food magic.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is bubbling and gorgeously melted. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes out of the oven — this helps the casserole set up so you get neat, satisfying slices. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a pop of freshness before serving.
How to Serve Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving takes your Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole from comforting to celebration-worthy. The herbs add a light, fragrant contrast to the cheesy richness—plus, they look beautiful atop that golden crust!
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad or classic garlic bread for a perfectly balanced meal. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers also work wonders as a colorful, healthful sidekick. This hearty main dish shines with companions that are fresh, bright, and easy to prepare.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish and let everyone scoop their own slice. Or, make it extra special by spooning individual portions into mini baking dishes or ramekins—great for parties or cozy date nights. You can even top each portion with an extra pinch of fresh herbs or a swirl of extra sauce for that restaurant-style finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge! Once cooled, simply cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for maximum flavor and freshness.
Freezing
This casserole is a champion for meal prep. You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to two months—just wrap it well in plastic and foil. You can also freeze baked leftovers; portion them out so you have quick, single servings ready for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftovers, covered, in a 350°F oven until the center is warm and the cheese is gooey again, usually about 20 minutes. Individual servings also heat beautifully in the microwave, making lunchtime a breeze—just add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep everything nice and moist.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can fully assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold.
What pasta shapes work best in this recipe?
Penne, rotini, and ziti are all fantastic options. Their sturdy shapes and crevices catch all the cheesy sauce, but you can use any short pasta you have on hand for your Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely—feel free to sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or chopped spinach and stir them into the sauce before mixing with the pasta. It’s an easy way to sneak in extra color and nutrients.
Is it possible to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner, lighter alternatives. Just be sure to season them well for maximum flavor in your finished casserole.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming dry?
Be sure not to overcook your pasta, and don’t skimp on the sauce or cheese. Covering the casserole with foil for part of the baking time can also help retain moisture if you notice it browning too quickly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s always met with happy faces and hearty appetites, look no further than this Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole. It’s comforting, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying—the kind of recipe you’ll come back to any time you need a dose of homey goodness. Give it a try, and let it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
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Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and cheeses in a flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook the beef and onion: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic and cook briefly. Stir in marinara sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, then combine with meat sauce, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, top with remaining cheeses, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or basil.
Notes
- Make it ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating it up to 24 hours before baking.
- You can add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
