Cheesy Beef And Tomato Casserole

This Cheesy Beef and Tomato Casserole is the definition of ultimate comfort food. Combining savory seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and an abundance of gooey, melted cheese, it is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dinner that bakes up bubbling and golden in just one dish.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25–30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 8 oz short pasta (such as penne, rotini, or macaroni), uncooked
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) your favorite marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Boil the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite, as it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain well and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef and Aromatics

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent (about 6 to 7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 60 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the Tomato Sauce Base

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

5. Assemble and Top with Cheese

1. Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
2. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the ½ cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake Until Bubbling

7. Rest and Serve