Why Make This Recipe
Beef and Pasta Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings satisfaction to any table. It combines the rich flavors of ground beef, pasta, and marinara sauce with the gooey goodness of melted cheese. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. Plus, it is a great way to use pantry staples and feed a crowd without spending too much time in the kitchen.
How to Make Beef and Pasta Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the beef mixture and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Beef and Pasta Casserole
Serve the Beef and Pasta Casserole hot from the oven. It’s great on its own, but you can also add a simple side salad or garlic bread to make it a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days, so feel free to enjoy it for lunch or dinner later.
How to Store Beef and Pasta Casserole
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Make sure to wrap it well for the freezer, and it can last up to 2-3 months. Just reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Beef and Pasta Casserole
- For extra flavor, try adding veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- If you want a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Don’t skip draining the fat from the beef; this will make the casserole less greasy.
Variation
You can easily customize this casserole by using different types of meat like turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a mix of your favorite vegetables or use lentils instead.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just remember to bake it longer if you are baking it straight from the fridge.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
3. What should I do if I don’t have marinara sauce?
You can make your own quick sauce by mixing canned tomatoes with Italian seasoning, garlic, and a pinch of sugar. Or, use any other type of pasta sauce you have on hand.
Print
Beef and Pasta Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: N/A
Description
A hearty and comforting dish combining ground beef, pasta, marinara, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the beef mixture and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg