This easy ground beef casserole combines simple ingredients for a family-favorite meal. Packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese, this comforting dish comes together in just 35 minutes.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or want to feed a crowd, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole
Ground beef casserole satisfies everyone at the table with its hearty flavors. Even better, you only need basic pantry items to make it. The combination of meat, pasta, and cheese creates comfort food perfection.
Simple Preparation
You cook everything in just two pans – a skillet for the beef mixture and a pot for the pasta. While the oven works its magic, you’ll have time to set the table or prepare side dishes.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors
The rich marinara sauce melds with savory beef and sharp cheddar cheese. For extra flavor, you can experiment with adding herbs or mixing different cheeses as we’ll discuss later.
Versatile Leftovers
This casserole tastes great reheated, making it perfect for packed lunches. If you love ground beef dinners, explore our collection of mouthwatering ground beef recipes for more inspiration.
Recipe
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Classic Ground Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Hearty ground beef casserole with penne pasta, marinara sauce, and cheddar cheese – ready in 35 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked penne (450 g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (450 g)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce (350 ml)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (170 g)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400F (200C) and move the rack to the middle position. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Boil a large pot of salted water for the penne. Cook it for 10 minutes (slightly underdone).
- Add oil, beef, and onion to a skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, breaking up meat.
- Stir in garlic after meat begins cooking. Spoon out excess fat if needed.
- Mix in marinara sauce and warm through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta and add to baking dish. Top with beef mixture and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. For extra cheesiness, mix in 1/2 cup cheese before topping.
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese melts. Broil 2-3 minutes for browning (optional). Serve hot.
Notes
- Pasta should be al dente before baking
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 538 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 551 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
Base Components
The penne pasta holds up well in baked dishes, but you can substitute shells or rotini. Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
Flavor Boosters
Onion and garlic add aromatic depth. Use fresh minced garlic for best results, though garlic powder works in a pinch. Always taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
Cheese Options
Sharp cheddar provides nice tang, but mozzarella creates excellent meltability. Blend cheeses for more complex flavor.
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole
Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease your 9×13 baking dish lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
Cook the Pasta
Boil penne in salted water for 10 minutes – slightly less than package directions. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven later.
Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. After 8 minutes, stir in the garlic until fragrant.
Combine and Bake
Mix marinara sauce into the beef mixture. Drain pasta and combine with beef sauce in the baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly.
Pro Tips for Success
- Undercook pasta by 2 minutes to prevent mushiness
- Drain excess grease from beef before adding sauce
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for golden cheese
- Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving
Flavor Variations
- Tex-Mex Style: Add cumin, chili powder, and corn
- Italian Twist: Mix in basil, oregano, and Parmesan
- Vegetable Boost: Stir spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread makes an excellent side for soaking up sauce. If you enjoy comfort food, our chicken noodle soup recipes offer wonderful pairing options.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture. For freezing, wrap unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 538 kcal | 17 g | 61 g | 34 g | 3 g | 5 g | 551 mg |
FAQs About Ground Beef Casserole
Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works well. Just adjust cooking times based on the pasta’s thickness.
What if I don’t have marinara?
Tomato pasta sauce makes a good substitute. Add Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
How do I prevent a dry casserole?
Ensure you use enough sauce and don’t overcook the pasta. The cheese also adds moisture during baking.
Final Thoughts
This classic ground beef casserole delivers comfort with convenience. With simple techniques and flexible ingredients, it’s perfect for busy nights.
For another hearty meal option, try our favorite white chicken chili recipe. Both dishes promise satisfying flavors that keep everyone coming back for seconds.
