Print

Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole

Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole
Print Recipe

Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey layers of melted cheese. Perfect for easy family dinners, this casserole delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures with minimal prep, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both filling and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for tossing pasta)

Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Begin by boiling the pasta until it is just al dente. Avoid overcooking as the pasta will continue cooking in the casserole. Drain well and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish lightly. Start by spreading a layer of cooked pasta evenly on the bottom. Next, add a generous layer of the ground beef mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle a blend of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the beef. Repeat these layers—pasta, beef mixture, cheese—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick cheesy layer on top.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest for several minutes to allow the layers to set before serving.

Notes

  • Use quality cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
  • Don’t skip resting: Let the casserole sit after baking to help it hold together when sliced.
  • Brown the beef well: Browning adds deeper flavor and richer color.
  • Control moisture: Drain any excess liquid from the beef or sauce to avoid sogginess.
  • Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top before serving for added brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, cheesy pasta, baked pasta, family dinner, comfort food, layered casserole

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/cheesy-layered-ground-beef-and-pasta-casserole/