Description
This Classic Beef & Cheese Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dinner layered with seasoned ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the beef and sauce mixture.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta mixture and cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for variety.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a creamier casserole, stir in 1/2 cup ricotta or cottage cheese before baking.
- Make ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating it—bake when ready.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen in portions for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: classic beef and cheese casserole, ground beef pasta bake, cheesy beef casserole, beef pasta dinner, easy family casserole