Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe

If you love hearty, comforting meals that bring the whole family together, then you are going to adore this Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce that bakes up into a bubbly, golden masterpiece. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making it one of those dishes you’ll want to file under “comfort food classics” and revisit time and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is what makes this Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe so approachable and irresistible. Each item plays an essential role in delivering that winning combination of flavor, texture, and color that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

• 1 lb ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base that makes this casserole satisfying and rich.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet and aromatic foundation when sautéed with garlic.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, pungent note that enhances every layer of flavor.
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Offers brightness and slight acidity to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Adds a smooth, saucy texture that binds the casserole together beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A flavorful mix of herbs that injects subtle Mediterranean charm.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smoky warmth and a lovely color boost to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out every flavor perfectly.
• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne): Serves as the comforting, chewy canvas for all the delicious toppings.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that lightens the richness of the dish.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers sharpness and gooey meltiness packed with flavor.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides a smooth, stretchy finish that defines the luscious cheese topping.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing and enriching the overall depth of the casserole.

How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly into a golden, bubbly delight.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step unlocks their natural sweetness, setting the stage for the rich flavors to come.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily, but retain plenty of that flavorful beef goodness.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, letting all those herbs and spices infuse the sauce, making it deep and savory.

Step 5: Prepare the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly tender but still has a little bite. Drain it well and set aside to keep warm.

Step 6: Mix the Pasta and Cheese

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This creamy mixture adds moisture and richness that blends beautifully with the hearty beef sauce.

Step 7: Layer the Casserole

Start by spreading half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then, spoon the beef and tomato sauce mixture over the pasta layer. Finally, cover with the remaining pasta mixture to create a structured, flavorful build.

Step 8: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the mozzarella evenly over the top. This cheesy crust will turn golden and bubbly in the oven, creating the irresistible signature of this casserole.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots, it’s ready. Let it rest for 5 minutes—this step helps the casserole set so you get clean, beautiful slices when serving.

How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and beef. A dash of red pepper flakes can also be a lovely option for those wanting a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables, or even a simple garlic bread to mop up any extra cheesy sauce. The freshness and crunch of a salad perfectly balance the comforting density of the pasta bake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets, then broil them briefly to create an extra crispy cheese layer. You could also turn this into a layered pasta bake by alternating different pasta shapes or adding layers of sautéed veggies for added texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your casserole leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week.

Freezing

This Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain that fresh-baked taste and texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. If you’re in a rush, individual servings can be reheated in the microwave, but the oven method keeps the cheese topping deliciously melty and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this casserole?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni or penne work best for holding the sauce, fusilli, rigatoni, or even shells can be swapped in depending on your preference or pantry stock.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

You can definitely make a vegetarian version by replacing ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just adjust cooking times as needed and enjoy the same comforting flavors.

Can I use fresh cheese instead of shredded cheddar and mozzarella?

Fresh cheeses like mozzarella balls or sliced cheddar can work, but shredded cheese melts more evenly and creates that classic bubbly, golden crust we all love in casseroles.

How spicy is this casserole?

The recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add heat by including crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or choosing a spicy sausage instead of regular ground beef if you crave some kick.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the pasta?

Reheat gently in the oven with a cover over the casserole dish or add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist. A microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel can also help retain moisture during reheating.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a dish like this Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Cheddar and Mozzarella Recipe that makes weeknight meals feel celebratory. Warm, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to leftovers that taste as good as the first serving. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your recipe collection!

Print