Description
This Beef and Pasta Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner—hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. With tender pasta, savory beef, rich marinara, and melted cheese all baked to perfection, it’s a comfort food favorite the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz jar of marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
5. Pour in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with meat sauce.
7. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
Notes
Use al dente pasta to avoid overcooking during baking.
Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef casserole, pasta bake, easy dinner