When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the classic ground beef pasta casserole. This dish combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and oozing cheese into a warm, hearty delight that’s perfect for dinner, leftovers, and everything in between. Let’s dive into how you can create a delicious casserole your family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Equipments
- Large saucepan or skillet
- Casserole dish
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Casserole – Step By Step
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later use.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In the same skillet with the browned beef, pour in the tomato sauce. Add the cooked pasta, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to a casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a cheesy, golden crust that will form during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden-brown hue. Once done, remove the dish and let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Casserole
Once it’s ready, slice your casserole into pleasing portions and serve it hot, perhaps with a side of garlic bread or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the heartiness of this classic dish!
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. You can also top with fresh parsley or basil before serving for added color and freshness. Adjust the level of cheese to your preference for a mild or extra cheesy delight. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes added with the tomato sauce works wonders.
Pumped-Up Protein: High-Protein Ground Beef Pasta Casserole
If you’re looking to boost the protein in your diet, this variation is for you. Incorporate leaner cuts of beef or even add ground turkey or chicken to the mixture. Use whole grain or lentil-based pasta for additional protein content. You can also include a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrition without altering the delicious taste significantly.
Low-Carb Lovers Rejoice: Keto-Friendly Ground Beef Pasta Surprise
Yes, you can enjoy this comfort food while staying true to a low-carb lifestyle. Simply swap out the traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Opt for a sugar-free tomato sauce and a hearty dose of cheese for consistency. This modification retains all the cozy flavors without the carbs, making it both diabetic and keto-friendly.
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, ensure the casserole is fully cooled before wrapping in foil and placing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
FAQs
- Can I prepare this casserole in advance? Absolutely, assemble the casserole and store in the refrigerator up to a day before baking.
- What’s the best pasta for this casserole? Penne or fusilli works best due to their sauce-holding ridges.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
- How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy? Cook the pasta to al dente, as it will continue to cook during baking.
- Is it possible to make this without cheese? Yes, though it alters the classic flavor, it can be made with nutritional yeast as a substitute.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe and Final Thoughts
This ground beef pasta casserole is the perfect union of ease and flavor, ensuring satisfaction with every cheesy, savory bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals ahead for the week, this dish is a winner. We hope you’ll try this recipe, share your experiences, and add your unique twist. Bon appétit!
Ultimate Comfort Food: Ground Beef Pasta Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- pasta
- tomato sauce
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- grated parmesan cheese
- medium onion
- garlic
- Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
Instructions
Steps
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until it's no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and drain any excess fat.
- While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later use.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In the same skillet with the browned beef, pour in the tomato sauce. Add the cooked pasta, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to a casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a cheesy, golden crust that will form during baking.
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden-brown hue. Once done, remove the dish and let it cool slightly before serving.