Beef and Pasta Casserole

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Craving a hearty, comforting dinner that fills the house with the aroma of bubbling cheese and rich meat sauce? The Beef and Pasta Casserole delivers on all fronts. It’s that no-fuss, crowd-pleasing bake that layers tender pasta with savory ground beef and a cheesy topping that begs you to dive in. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is built to satisfy.

This casserole hits that sweet spot between lasagna-style indulgence and weeknight simplicity. It’s got the robust flavor of a bolognese, the cozy vibe of a baked ziti, and the ease of a one-dish dinner. Plus, it reheats like a dream. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Beef and Pasta Casserole, you’ll need just a few kitchen staples—but don’t underestimate their importance:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for browning the beef and building the sauce. A wide surface helps the meat caramelize evenly.
• Large Pot: For boiling pasta. Use salted water to infuse flavor right into the noodles.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining the pasta with sauce before layering.
• Casserole Dish (9×13-inch recommended): This is where everything comes together for the bake.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring your beef and scraping every bit of flavor from the pan.
• Aluminum Foil: Keeps the top from browning too fast while baking. Remove it for the last few minutes for a golden cheesy crust.

A little organization goes a long way here. With your tools laid out and prepped, you’ll move through the recipe with ease.

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Ingredients for the Beef and Pasta Casserole

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture:

• Ground Beef: The heart of this casserole. Rich, juicy, and full of savory flavor that forms the base of the sauce.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
• Garlic Cloves: Brings warmth and aromatic intensity to the meat sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: These form the bulk of the sauce, offering acidity and balance to the rich beef.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs that enhances the sauce with a rustic, homey taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of this dish.
• Pasta (Rigatoni or Penne): Chosen for their ability to trap sauce inside and hold their shape during baking.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a golden, stretchy topping that’s impossible to resist.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty edge to the cheesy layer.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens and freshens up each serving with a pop of green.

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How To Make the Beef and Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, then drain well. Don’t overcook—the pasta will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce until evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Layer half the pasta mixture into the dish, sprinkle a mix of mozzarella and parmesan over it, then add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving for a touch of color and freshness.

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Serving and Storing Your Beef and Pasta Casserole

Serve this casserole hot from the oven, letting it rest for 5–10 minutes so the layers settle before slicing into portions. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. For a cozy dinner, serve it straight from the dish at the center of the table—comfort food at its finest.

As for leftovers? This dish stores exceptionally well. Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While rigatoni or penne are ideal, any short, sturdy pasta like ziti, fusilli, or rotini will hold up nicely in the bake.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the entire casserole and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

Can I swap beef for another protein?

Definitely. Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work just as well, although you may want to add extra seasoning for flavor.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can make your own blend with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary—or use any mix of those herbs you have on hand.

Is it spicy?

Not as written, but feel free to add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.

How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Cover the casserole with foil during the first part of baking. Remove the foil in the final 10 minutes to let the cheese turn golden without over-browning.

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Want More Casserole Dinner Ideas?

If casseroles are your comfort zone, you’ll want to explore some of these next. The Sloppy Joe Casserole turns a classic sandwich into a fork-friendly dish with layers of saucy meat and cheese. For a spicy twist, check out the Taco Bake Casserole—it brings zesty seasoning and melted goodness to the table.

Need something indulgent? The Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole hits that creamy, cozy note perfectly. Or dive into a seafood-inspired bake with the Easy Seafood Casserole that blends tender fish and shrimp in a luscious sauce.

And don’t miss the fan-favorite Amish Country Casserole, a rustic, no-fuss option for weeknights when time is short but you still want something warm and filling.

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If you make this casserole, I’d love to hear how it went. Did you layer it differently? Try a cheese blend? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious to see your spins on it.

And for more daily recipes, head over to my Pinterest board LadyPlate and follow along. It’s packed with comforting dinners and creative twists you’ll want to try next.

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