Homemade Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This homemade ground beef casserole combines tender penne pasta with a flavorful beef and marinara sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1.25 lb penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (such as Rao’s Homemade)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil or butter. Prepare the ingredients by finely dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and shredding the cheddar cheese if needed.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for about 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and ground beef, breaking the beef apart as it cooks. Cook for about 10 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt and black pepper, and let simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the greased baking dish. Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the pasta and stir gently to combine everything evenly without breaking the pasta.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, brown the ground beef well before adding garlic to develop deeper taste.
• Use any pasta shape you prefer, though penne works best to hold the sauce.
• Try mixing in some cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Substitute mozzarella for cheddar cheese for a milder, gooier topping.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork based on your preference. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked and browned.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the pasta?

Yes, cooking the pasta beforehand ensures it is perfectly al dente. Baking raw pasta would result in uneven texture and a longer cooking time.

Homemade Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 128 reviews

This Homemade Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender penne pasta combined with flavorful browned ground beef, onions, and garlic simmered in a rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and offers a delicious, cheesy finish baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1.25 lb penne pasta

Meat and Seasonings

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce (I use Rao’s Homemade)

Other

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil or butter. Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic cloves, and shred the cheddar cheese if it’s not pre-shredded to have everything ready for cooking.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for about 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and ground beef, breaking apart the meat as it cooks. Cook for about 10 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion has softened, developing good browning for added flavor.
4. Add Garlic and Sauce: Stir the minced garlic into the beef and onions, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and let simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Place the cooked pasta in the greased baking dish. Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the pasta. Stir gently until well combined and evenly distributed, being careful not to break the pasta.
6. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use a good-quality marinara sauce such as Rao’s for a richer flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente ensures it holds up well during baking.
• Allowing the cheese to brown slightly adds a nice texture and enhances flavor.
• You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella or a blend of cheeses if preferred.
• Prepping all ingredients ahead of time speeds up the cooking process.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, baked pasta, penne pasta casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, cheesy ground beef bake