Description
Looking for a hearty, family-approved meal that’s easy to prepare and big on flavor? This Beef and Pasta Casserole is a comforting classic that combines tender pasta, rich tomato-beef sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, easy casserole recipes, or a satisfying meal prep option, this one-pan wonder is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or freezer-friendly batch cooking, it’s a go-to easy dinner recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
1 pound penne pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in salted water until slightly under al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
3. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Mix in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce in a large bowl or skillet and stir to coat evenly.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the pasta mixture, spoon over ricotta if using, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t over-soften during baking.
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes richer than pre-packaged shreds.
Make ahead and freeze before baking for an easy future meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef and pasta casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, casserole recipe