Description
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole is a hearty, soul-warming comfort dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese. It’s a family-friendly dinner that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Season beef with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, and sour cream. Mix until evenly coated.
- Pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American