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
Scale
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
