How to Make the Best Cheesy Beef Pasta Casserole

This cozy, satisfying casserole blends hearty ground beef, tender pasta, flavorful tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese into one delicious dish. It’s the ultimate feel-good dinner—made smarter with lean ingredients and portion-friendly servings. Perfect for family meals, leftovers, or feeding a crowd without overdoing it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food, Smarter Style: All the flavor of classic cheesy pasta without the heaviness.
Family-Friendly Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Easy & Affordable: Made with pantry staples and simple ingredients.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good reheated the next day.

Ingredients

Pasta & Beef

• 8 oz whole wheat rotini or penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef (96% lean or similar)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil

Sauce & Seasoning

• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheesy Topping

• 3/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Beef and Veggies

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.

Make the Sauce

• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes to develop flavor.

Combine and Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl or directly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
• Spread evenly in the dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

• Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or basil if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

Tips for Success

• Use Lean Beef: Keeps the dish hearty without extra grease or calories.
• Al Dente Pasta: Prevents the noodles from becoming mushy while baking.
• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra nutrition boost.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced and Satisfying: Protein, fiber, and flavor in every bite.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything is easy to find and budget-friendly.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully and can be frozen in portions.
• Customizable: Easily adapt to what’s in your pantry or dietary preferences.

This Cheesy Beef Pasta Casserole is a lightened-up version of a beloved family meal, offering classic flavors with a better balance. It’s cheesy, saucy, and endlessly comforting—everything you want in a pasta bake, without going overboard. Make it once, and it’ll become a regular on your weekly menu!