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A close-up view of the hearty ground beef casserole being served onto a white plate, highlighting the cheesy topping and pasta.

Ground Beef Casserole: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Dish

This easy Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! A hearty and flavorful dish made with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked under a thick layer of melted cheesy goodness.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10 recommended
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 16 oz penne pasta
  • 24 oz marinara sauce your favorite brand
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish
  • 1 Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined and the pasta is coated in the sauce.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese as it melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve.