Beef Pasta Casserole has been my go-to comfort food for years, ever since my mom used to whip up this hearty dish on chilly evenings. The aroma of simmering tomatoes and savory beef filling the kitchen always meant a delicious meal was on its way. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug – rich, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. This family-friendly beef pasta bake is incredibly versatile, and once you try this simple ground beef casserole with pasta, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in so many homes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Pasta Casserole
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love with its incredible flavor and ease!
- Irresistible Taste: It’s packed with savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with melted cheese.
- Quick Prep: With only about 15 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it an economical choice for feeding a family.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This cheesy beef pasta casserole is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that even picky eaters will devour.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or cheeses.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for any occasion.
- Easy Cleanup: Many steps can be done in one pot, minimizing dishes.
Ingredients for Beef Pasta Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious ground beef and noodle casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound penne pasta – This is a great shape for holding sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended) – The slight fat content keeps it moist and flavorful.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped – Adds a sweet aromatic base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – For that essential savory punch.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes – Forms the hearty base of our sauce.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste – This concentrates the tomato flavor beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that screams classic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a little warmth and spice.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melty goodness is key to this dish!
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional) – Adds a creamy, luxurious texture if you like.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – For a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Beef Pasta Casserole
Creating this delicious beef pasta bake is a straightforward process that results in a truly satisfying meal. Follow these simple steps for an easy beef pasta bake recipe that will become a family favorite.
- Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, cook your pasta. Boil the penne pasta in generously salted water until it’s just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. This ensures it won’t get mushy when baked. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Step 2: Grab a large skillet or pot and brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess fat.
- Step 3: Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes tender and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just about 1 minute more, until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Step 5: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined, creating a rich sauce.
- Step 6: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then. This simmering time is crucial for allowing all those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a truly savory sauce.
- Step 7: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the savory beef sauce. If you’re using the ricotta cheese for extra creaminess, stir it in now until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 8: Pour this glorious pasta and meat mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Step 9: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously and evenly over the entire top of the casserole.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be completely melted, bubbly, and maybe even starting to get a little golden. The casserole should be heated all the way through. This one-pan beef pasta casserole is almost ready!
- Step 11: Once it’s out of the oven, let the beef pasta casserole rest for a few minutes. This helps it set up perfectly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley right before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Pasta Casserole
Want to elevate your beef pasta bake from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These simple tips will ensure your casserole is a consistent hit!
- Don’t overcook the pasta initially; it will continue to cook in the oven, and mushy pasta is a casserole’s worst enemy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning in the sauce before combining it with the pasta. This is your last chance to perfect the flavor!
- Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This allows it to set up, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart.
What’s the secret to perfect Beef Pasta Casserole?
The secret to the absolute best beef pasta casserole recipe lies in building flavor layers. Browning the beef well, sautéing the onions and garlic until fragrant, and simmering the sauce allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a deep, savory taste that’s hard to beat. For more tips on building flavor, check out this guide on flavor layering in cooking.
Can I make Beef Pasta Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This makes it a fantastic option for a quick beef and pasta casserole during a busy week. Assemble the entire casserole (up to adding the final cheese topping) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Beef Pasta Casserole?
The most common pitfall is overcooked pasta, leading to a mushy texture. Always cook it al dente. Another mistake is not draining the fat from the beef properly, which can make the dish greasy. Ensure your sauce is well-seasoned before assembling for the most flavorful, creamy beef pasta casserole. Learning about proper cooking techniques can help avoid these issues.
Best Ways to Serve Beef Pasta Casserole
This hearty beef noodle bake is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner. For a classic pairing, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad offers a lovely contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. Another great option is steamed or roasted green beans or broccoli; their slight bitterness complements the savory tomato sauce beautifully. If you’re looking for something to soak up any extra sauce, crusty garlic bread is always a fantastic choice. This beef pasta bake with tomato sauce is so versatile, it’s perfect for any occasion. For more side dish ideas, explore these creamed asparagus or corn salad recipes.
Nutrition Facts for Beef Pasta Casserole
This hearty beef noodle casserole is a satisfying meal, and here’s a breakdown of its estimated nutritional content per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Beef Pasta Casserole
This hearty beef noodle casserole is fantastic for meal prep, making it super convenient for busy weeks. Once it’s baked, let the casserole cool down completely on a wire rack. This is important to prevent condensation, which can make leftovers soggy. Once cooled, portion it into airtight containers. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this beef pasta bake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating is just as simple. For refrigerated portions, microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the same oven method. This ensures your leftover beef pasta casserole is just as delicious as when it was first made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Pasta Casserole
What is beef pasta casserole?
A beef pasta casserole is a baked dish typically made with ground beef, pasta, a savory sauce (often tomato-based), and cheese. It’s designed to be a hearty, comforting one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and serve, making it a popular choice for weeknight dinners and family gatherings. Think of it as a delicious marriage of pasta bakes and classic beef dishes.
Can I use different types of pasta for beef pasta casserole?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, this dish is very forgiving. Elbow macaroni, rotini, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or even shells work wonderfully for this cheesy garlic butter linguine pasta. Just ensure you cook your pasta slightly less than al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
How do I make my beef pasta casserole creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of ricotta cheese to the pasta and sauce mixture before baking, as suggested in some recipes. Alternatively, stirring in a bit of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese into the sauce can also enhance its richness and create a more decadent, creamy beef pasta casserole experience.
Can I make a healthier beef pasta casserole?
Yes, you can definitely make healthier beef pasta casserole variations! Opt for leaner ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and load up on extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option. Exploring healthy beef pasta casserole ideas can lead to a lighter yet equally satisfying meal.
Variations of Beef Pasta Casserole You Can Try
Ready to shake things up? These beef and pasta bake variations offer exciting new ways to enjoy this classic dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor it to your tastes!
- Spicy Southwest Twist: Add a can of diced green chilies and a teaspoon of chili powder to the sauce. Top with Monterey Jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a zesty kick.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Incorporate Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano into the sauce. A sprinkle of feta cheese on top adds a tangy finish.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the beef and load up on extra veggies! Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach make for fantastic healthy beef pasta casserole ideas, creating a hearty meatless meal.
- Slow Cooker Simplicity: For an even easier meal, combine all ingredients (except cheese) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Amazing Beef Pasta Casserole in 15 Mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Beef and Pasta Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and savory one-dish meal. It’s easy to prepare with pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the beef sauce. If using ricotta cheese, stir it in now until well combined.
- Pour the pasta and meat mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let the beef pasta casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Other cheeses like cheddar or provolone can be used in place of or in addition to mozzarella.
- This beef and pasta bake freezes well. Let it cool completely before freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
