This Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender penne pasta, rich marinara sauce, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and loads of gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep. With its hearty flavors and customizable ingredients, this casserole will quickly become a household favorite.

Perfect for those searching for quick dinner ideas, cheesy pasta recipes, or easy casserole dishes, this recipe is a must-try. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a meal that freezes well, this dish delivers on all fronts. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

32 oz. high-quality marinara sauce (see notes)
½ cup half and half (or substitute heavy cream)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
¾ teaspoon each: dried oregano, dried basil, dried parsley, mustard powder

For the Casserole:

1 lb. ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ cup beef broth
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided (see notes)
¾ lb. penne pasta

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Measure out the remaining ingredients to ensure smooth preparation.
Cook the Beef:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the beef is fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess grease.
Add Flavor to the Beef:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth and use a spatula to scrape the browned bits (“fond”) from the skillet’s bottom—this adds a rich flavor to your dish. Simmer gently and reduce the liquid by half, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Sauce and Pasta:
- Add the prepared sauce mixture to the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered while preparing the pasta.
- Meanwhile, boil the penne pasta in salted water to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Stir ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of mozzarella into the sauce until melted and smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring all noodles are coated. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
Bake and Broil:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
- If desired, broil at 450°F for 1-2 minutes for a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and pair with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family Favorite: A comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Customizable: Use your favorite pasta shapes or swap in gluten-free options.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients with minimal prep for a stress-free dinner.

Tips

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercook it (al dente) so it finishes cooking in the sauce while baking.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: Shred your own mozzarella for better melting and flavor.
Broil Carefully: Keep an eye on the casserole when broiling to prevent burning.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Cheese Lovers: Add ricotta or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Penne works great, but rigatoni or ziti are also excellent choices.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve this Ground Beef Casserole with:

Garlic Bread with Cheese: The perfect side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Crisp Side Salad: A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
Steamed Veggies: Try broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a nutritious addition.

Enjoy this cheesy, hearty Ground Beef Casserole for a meal that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!