4.5 from 225 votes
Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole
This Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole features ground beef sautéed with onion, red bell pepper, and garlic, combined with cooked penne pasta and marinara sauce, then baked with a generous topping of melted mozzarella cheese. The casserole blends hearty meat flavors with tender pasta and a creamy cheesy top, making it a comforting and filling dish suitable for family dinners or leftovers.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings:
10
servings
Calories:
345 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta cooked according to package directions and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil optional
- 1 pound ground beef I used 93% lean, lean
- 1 vidalia onion diced small, medium, sweet
- 1 red bell pepper diced small, medium/large
- 3 to 5 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon oregano ground
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 (26 ounce) marinara sauce jarred, or other pasta sauce
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese divided, shredded
- basil optional for garnishing, or parsley, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray; set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
- While the pasta is cooking, to a large Dutch oven, optionally add the olive oil (my beef was very lean and the oil was necessary), beef, onion, red pepper, and cook over medium-high heat until beef is cooked through and vegetables have softened; stir frequently and crumble the beef while it cooks; do not drain.
- Add the garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute, or until garlic is fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture, add the marinara, and stir to combine and coat evenly.
- Add 1 1/2 cups cheese and stir to combine until the cheese has melted.
- Turn mixture out into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups cheese over the top.
- Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted on top.
- Optionally garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Store the casserole airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
345kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
27g
(9%)
Protein
24g
(48%)
Fat
15g
(23%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
7g
(41%)
Cholesterol
59mg
(20%)
Sodium
863mg
(36%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 345
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 345kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Cholesterol | 59mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 863mg | 36% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.