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Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole

Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole

This Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, al dente pasta, and layers of melted cheeses including mozzarella, ricotta (or cottage cheese), and parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a family, this easy-to-make casserole delivers rich flavors, creamy textures, and a golden, bubbly cheese crust that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef

Pasta

  • 12 oz ziti or penne pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted)

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (for topping)

Sauce & Aromatics

  • 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Oils

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente, typically about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking when baked.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in tomato sauce and Italian seasonings, then simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta or cottage cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until creamy and well blended.
  4. Assemble the Layers: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta evenly over the sauce. Dollop and spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese mixture. Finish by generously topping with the remaining mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid a mushy casserole; slightly undercook it as it will soften during baking.
  • Drain excess fat from cooked ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
  • Use fresh mozzarella cheese for better melting and creamier texture.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow easier slicing and serving.
  • Season each layer thoughtfully to build rich and complex flavors throughout the dish.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, pasta bake, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta bake, weeknight meal, family dinner