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Ground Beef Pasta Casserole, a comforting dinner classic

Ultimate Comfort Food: Ground Beef Pasta Casserole Recipe

This classic ground beef pasta casserole is hearty, cheesy, and oh-so comforting. Perfect for family dinners and meal preps!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 650 kcal

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.

Notes

For storing, cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate up to 3 days. For freezing, let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Keyword Casserole, Comfort Food, Ground Beef