Introduction: Why This Ground Beef Pasta Casserole Is a Must-Have Family Meal

When it comes to easy, satisfying family dinners, nothing beats a ground beef pasta casserole. It’s hearty, rich, and loaded with flavor—just the kind of comfort food everyone at the table can agree on. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or stocking up on freezer meals, this cheesy beef pasta delivers all the warmth of a home-cooked classic with the convenience of a one-pan dish.

The creamy tomato-based sauce hugs every piece of tender pasta, while the seasoned ground beef brings depth and a satisfying bite. This casserole isn’t just quick—it’s the kind of meal that tastes like it simmered for hours, thanks to simple flavor boosters like Italian seasoning, paprika, and Parmesan cheese.

Not sure which pasta to use? Bowtie, penne, and rotini are all excellent options. These short pasta shapes hold onto sauce beautifully, making every bite creamy and cohesive. For a deeper look into why pasta shapes matter, check out this guide to pasta types and how they impact texture in casseroles.

And if you’re craving more hearty, cheesy meals like this, explore these easy beef pasta casseroles on Pinterest—perfect for meal prepping or doubling for leftovers.

This recipe brings together everything you want in a family favorite: quick prep, cozy flavors, and ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to go straight into your weekly dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Pasta Casserole

There’s a reason why ground beef pasta casseroles have stood the test of time—they deliver unbeatable comfort, rich flavor, and unbeatable ease. This dish in particular combines a creamy tomato sauce, seasoned beef, and melty cheese in a way that makes dinner feel both nostalgic and new. From the first bite, you get warmth, depth, and satisfaction—perfect for families, guests, or anyone craving a cozy meal.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re using elbow macaroni, penne, or classic bowtie pasta, each shape soaks up the sauce and cheese just right. It’s also a great way to use pantry staples like tomato sauce, beef broth, and garlic. Want to explore how pasta shapes affect the final dish? Take a look at this pasta guide to choose the best match for your cooking style.

What really sets this dish apart is the blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses—a duo that brings both creaminess and umami flavor. Combined with the richness of heavy cream and the savory depth of Italian seasoning, the result is a pasta casserole that tastes like it simmered for hours—even though it comes together in less than 40 minutes. For more flavor inspiration, explore these cheesy pasta bakes that follow a similar method but offer unique twists.

Here are a few more reasons this recipe will become a regular in your dinner rotation:

• Family-friendly – Kids and adults love the cheesy, beefy layers.

• One-skillet prep – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

• Meal prep approved – Stores well and reheats beautifully.

• Budget-friendly – Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.

• Customizable – Add veggies, spice, or different cheeses with ease.

This dish isn’t just another pasta bake—it’s a complete, satisfying, and nostalgic comfort food experience you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole

This beefy pasta casserole keeps things simple with easy-to-find ingredients that create big flavor without a lot of fuss. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

• 1 lb ground beef – Lean beef works best for less grease and more flavor.

• 12 oz pasta – Choose penne, elbow, rotini, or bowtie pasta; they hold sauce well.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used to sauté onions and build a rich base.

• 1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness and aromatic depth.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Boosts the flavor profile with bold, garlicky notes.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

• ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds subtle smokiness and color.

• Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances all the other ingredients.

• 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce – The savory backbone of the casserole.

• 1 cup beef broth – Adds richness and umami to the sauce.

• 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce ultra-creamy and indulgent.

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the pasta for gooey, cheesy comfort.

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For sharpness and salty depth.

• Fresh parsley – Optional garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color.

Want to experiment with different cheese blends or spice levels? These cheesy comfort food casseroles offer creative alternatives that follow the same structure.

Also, if you’re curious about what makes Parmesan cheese such a powerhouse in creamy pasta dishes, check out its flavor profile and history here.

Optional Add-ins and Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Here are some simple add-ins:

• Chopped bell peppers or zucchini – Sauté with the onions for extra veggies.

• Mushrooms – Add earthiness and meaty texture.

• Red pepper flakes or cayenne – Give it a spicy edge.

• Ground turkey or sausage – A lighter or more seasoned alternative to beef.

• Mozzarella or provolone cheese – Swap or mix with cheddar for a stretchier top.

Need more ideas for family-friendly swaps? Explore kid-approved pasta bakes that sneak in veggies and variety.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This dish is made for simplicity, so no special gadgets are required. Just a few kitchen essentials:

• Large skillet or sauté pan – To brown the beef and build the sauce.

• Medium pot – For boiling pasta to al dente.

• Colander – For draining pasta.

• Measuring cups & spoons – To get ratios just right.

• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and combining ingredients.

• Oven-safe baking dish (optional) – If you’d like to bake the casserole with extra cheese on top.

Looking for more one-pot inspiration? Discover more family dinner casseroles that use the same setup and save on cleanup.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Beef Pasta Casserole

1. Boil Pasta
   Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Onion & Garlic
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

3. Brown the Beef
   Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up as it cooks and continue until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

4. Season and Simmer
   Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream. Mix well and bring to a low simmer.

5. Add Pasta and Cheese
   Stir in the cooked pasta until evenly coated. Then add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted into a creamy sauce.

6. Simmer and Serve
   Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Want to dive deeper into pasta and its variations in baked dishes? Learn about pasta categories and cooking methods in this pasta guide.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy beef casserole is filling on its own, but you can pair it with sides to balance the richness:

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls – For scooping up extra sauce.

• Simple green salad – Adds freshness and crunch.

• Steamed broccoli or green beans – An easy way to add more veggies.

• Sparkling water or lemonade – Bright drinks balance the creamy texture.

Need more side pairing tips? Check out these perfect side dishes for casseroles.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers

This casserole is a meal-prep dream. Here’s how to handle leftovers:

Store

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze

• Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat

• Microwave individual portions with a splash of milk or cream. Or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Get more inspiration for make-ahead meals from these freezer-friendly casseroles that store and reheat well.

Make-Ahead Tips & Meal Prep Ideas

Want to prep this ahead for busy weeks? Here’s how:

• Cook the pasta and beef mixture separately: Then combine when ready to eat.

• Assemble and refrigerate: Store the fully mixed casserole in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

• Double the recipe: Make one batch now, and freeze the other for later.

• Portion out servings: Store in single-meal containers for easy lunches.

Need more bulk cooking ideas? Explore weekly casserole prep to streamline your routine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep your casserole perfect by steering clear of these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the pasta – It will turn mushy once combined with the sauce.

• Not draining the beef properly – Too much grease can make the sauce oily.

• Adding cheese too early – Melt cheese after the sauce is slightly thickened to avoid clumping.

• Skipping seasoning adjustments – Taste and balance the flavor as you go.

• Using the wrong pasta shape – Long noodles like spaghetti don’t work well here.

For more pasta and sauce success tips, refer to basic pasta cooking techniques.

FAQs – People Also Ask

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well—just adjust seasoning to match.

Is it okay to use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, elbow macaroni, or rotini are all excellent. Avoid long noodles for best texture.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then reheat when ready to serve.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or use spicy ground sausage in place of beef.

Can I bake this casserole?

You can! Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.

The Best Ground Beef Pasta Casserole for Family Dinners

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• Author: The coozy plate

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Description

This Ground Beef Pasta Casserole is the ultimate one-pan dinner made with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato-cheese sauce. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for feeding a hungry family on busy nights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground beef

12 oz pasta (penne, elbow, or rotini work great)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce

1 cup beef broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Add in cooked pasta and stir until well coated.

Stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Simmer for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• Use al dente pasta to prevent overcooking in the sauce.

• Combine cheddar and Parmesan for flavor and creaminess.

• Adjust the spice level with paprika or chili flakes.

• Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.

• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.