If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare, look no further than this Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole. Hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a cozy blanket of gooey cheese come together in a bubbly bake that makes any night feel special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this casserole is sure to be your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole is refreshingly short but each item has a vital role, setting the stage for rich flavor and satisfying texture. Gather these everyday staples and get ready for a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Ground Beef: Brings hearty, savory depth and makes this casserole extra filling.
- Pasta (penne or rotini): Picks up every bit of sauce while holding its shape through baking.
- Onion: Sweet and aromatic, onion builds the casserole’s savory foundation.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the meat sauce a fragrant, mouthwatering boost.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce: Delivers classic Italian homestyle flavor and keeps everything moist.
- Italian Seasoning: Lends that familiar herbal aroma, tying all the elements together.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors and seasoning each layer.
- Black Pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and depth.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a luscious, stretchy topping everyone loves.
- Parmesan Cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty finish that makes each bite irresistible.
- Olive Oil: Helps create a silky base for sautéing your aromatics.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of vibrant green for a fresh and pretty finish.
How to Make Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cook Pasta
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta just until al dente. You want it a little firm, since it’ll keep softening in the oven. Drain and set aside, ready to soak up all the saucy goodness.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it looks translucent and smells amazing. Next, add your minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds—it’ll become fragrant fast, so don’t let it burn!
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add that pound of ground beef into your skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until nicely browned. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the pan, drain it off carefully so your casserole doesn’t become oily.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper directly into the beef mixture. Stir everything together and let it simmer for five minutes. This gives all those flavors a chance to mingle and thicken up a little.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet with the beef and sauce, then fold everything together until each piece of pasta is coated in that savory, hearty mixture. It should look like dinner, but things are just getting started.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make serving a breeze. Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. This ensures that every scoop has both pasta and meat in perfect ratio.
Step 7: Top and Bake
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole for that mouthwatering, melty finish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, take off the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Let Rest and Garnish
Once your Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for five minutes before serving. This small wait helps everything set and makes for neater, more satisfying portions. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you want an extra pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How to Serve Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole
Garnishes
To make your Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole extra special, scatter a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving. A little extra Parmesan on each plate is always welcome, and if you like a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper brings a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own but really shines with a side salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread to scoop up those saucy edges. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli make a colorful, wholesome addition to the table as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style fun, serve the Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole straight from the dish, or spoon it into individual ramekins for personalized portions. If you’re entertaining, try cutting the cooled casserole into squares for an easy-to-hold appetizer on a buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Just transfer it to an airtight container, or cover your baking dish tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to four days. It’s a dream to have quick, ready-to-reheat meals on hand!
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks. Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake it), then cover well and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge the night before you want to enjoy it, then bake as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, you can zap individual servings in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or pop the whole baking dish (covered) in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 20 minutes. If the casserole looks a bit dry, add a splash of marinara before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne or rotini are classic for Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole, you can swap in ziti, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Just stick to sturdy shapes that hold up well to baking.
What’s the best way to add extra vegetables?
You can stir in sautéed spinach, cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the beef and sauce mixture before combining with the pasta. It’s a great way to sneak in more nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Simply assemble the casserole right up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes if it’s chilled.
Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?
Try using lean ground beef or substituting ground turkey for a lighter version. You can also cut back on the cheese a bit, or mix in extra veggies to bulk up the casserole without extra calories.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Be sure to cook the pasta just to al dente before combining it with the meat sauce. The baking process will soften it up a bit more, so starting with slightly firm pasta is key for perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole enough—it’s just so satisfying, customizable, and fuss-free. Give it a spot in your dinner rotation and watch it become a family favorite. You’ll love how simple the steps are, and how much comfort you get from each cheesy, saucy forkful!
Print
Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines flavorful ground beef with pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil, add garlic, then brown the ground beef. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole: Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheeses, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can add cooked vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
