Cheesy Beef Casserole Recipe

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This Cheesy Beef Casserole is a comforting, oven-baked dinner made with penne pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese.

It’s simple to prepare, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

The layers of pasta, beef, and cheese bake together into a warm, hearty casserole that everyone enjoys.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Casserole

Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients

Rich, cheesy, and satisfying

Great for meal prep and leftovers

Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Perfect for make-ahead dinners

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar blend)

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large pot

• Skillet or frying pan

• Baking dish (9×13 inch works well)

• Wooden spoon

• Oven

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce into the cooked beef mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes so the flavors combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Spoon the beef and sauce mixture evenly over the pasta.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef Casserole

Do not overcook the pasta before baking; al dente works best

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting

Let the casserole rest before serving so it holds together well

Add a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor if desired

Variations

Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or Monterey Jack along with cheddar

Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara

Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze Cheesy Beef Casserole?
Yes, freeze it before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What pasta works best?
Penne works well, but rotini or ziti are also good options.

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, mozzarella, Colby-Jack, or a cheese blend all work well.

Cheesy Beef Casserole Recipe

A comforting baked casserole made with tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
7. Place cooked pasta into a baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the pasta.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, garnish if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

• Do not overcook the pasta before baking.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
• Let the casserole rest before serving so it holds together.