Name: Beef and Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Rich, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, this Beef and Pasta Casserole is a dinnertime hero. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and layers of gooey melted cheese make this a satisfying meal the whole family will crave. It bakes up beautifully golden on top and irresistibly creamy underneath, making it one of those recipes you keep coming back to.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want delicious leftovers for the next day, this casserole delivers big on flavor and even bigger on ease. It comes together with pantry staples and transforms into a bubbling, savory dish that tastes like it took all day to make (even though it didn’t!).

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Pasta Casserole

Comfort food at its finest: Hearty beef, cheesy layers, and pasta baked to perfection.
Easy to prep: Most of the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.
Customizable: Add veggies, swap the pasta shape, or tweak the spices.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and freeze for those busy weeknights.
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone from picky eaters to dinner guests loves it.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To ensure your Beef and Pasta Casserole turns out just right, it helps to use the right tools and prep smartly:

Large Skillet: Essential for browning the beef and mixing the sauce; a non-stick skillet prevents burning and makes cleanup easier.
Saucepan or Pasta Pot: Use a deep pot for boiling the pasta to prevent sticking.
Colander: Draining the pasta properly avoids wateriness in your casserole.
Mixing Bowl: Great for combining the pasta and beef mixture before layering.
Casserole Dish (9×13-inch): A must-have to bake everything evenly; glass or ceramic holds heat well for a bubbly finish.
Cheese Grater: If using block cheese, freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes better.
Foil: To cover during baking and avoid over-browning the top.

Ingredients for the Beef and Pasta Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole serves a purpose in building layers of flavor and texture:

Ground Beef – The savory base of the dish, offering protein and hearty richness.
Pasta (penne or rigatoni) – A sturdy pasta shape that holds up well during baking and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Onion – Adds aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness when sautéed.
Garlic – Brings a bold, savory kick that enhances the beef and sauce.
Tomato Sauce – The glue that binds everything together, giving a rich tomato flavor.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that infuses the casserole with classic comfort.
Salt & Black Pepper – For essential seasoning and balance.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully over the top, adding that irresistible cheese pull.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty finish to the casserole.
Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding depth and richness.

How To Make the Beef and Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, boil your pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Do not overcook since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 5: Mix and Layer

In a large bowl, combine the pasta with the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Mix until evenly coated. Pour half of the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serving and Storing This Casserole

This Beef and Pasta Casserole is best served straight from the oven when the cheese is melted and bubbling. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread to round out a cozy, satisfying meal.

For storing leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering tightly with foil or placing in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for a quick lunch. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

Assemble the entire casserole up to the baking step. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or even elbow macaroni work great. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Mozzarella melts perfectly and offers a creamy texture, but you can add cheddar or provolone for more flavor depth. Always include parmesan for its salty, nutty finish.

Can I make this casserole spicy?

Yes, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef while cooking. You can also use a spicy tomato sauce.

Is it gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily swap the pasta with your favorite gluten-free brand. Make sure your tomato sauce is also gluten-free.

What sides go well with this dish?

Try serving it with garlic knots, roasted vegetables, or a Caesar salad. Anything with crunch and freshness balances the richness of the casserole.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Beef and Pasta Casserole, you’ll definitely want to try these other cozy and crowd-pleasing options from the Kitchen by Kate archive:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a rich, creamy, and decadent pasta bake.
Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – hearty, comforting, and great for a one-dish dinner.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines deep onion flavor with savory beef.
Sloppy Joe Casserole if you’re craving something fun and nostalgic.
Simple Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet for a Tex-Mex spin on weeknight casseroles.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest casserole board so you can revisit it anytime: Kitchen By Kate Pinterest Recipes

Let me know in the comments how your Beef and Pasta Casserole turned out! Did you make it cheesy, spicy, or toss in a veggie or two? I always love seeing the creative spins you put on these classics.

Questions or tips? Drop them below so we can keep making weeknight dinners even better—together.