This Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is pure comfort in a baking dish! Imagine tender rotini enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, layered with creamy sour cream, perfectly browned ground beef, and generous heaps of bubbling cheddar and mozzarella. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing bake that brings everyone to the table with a smile, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a make-ahead weeknight winner. This is one of those nostalgic, satisfying casseroles that always disappears fast—trust me, you’ll come back for seconds!

Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is probably in your pantry or fridge already. Each ingredient plays a special role, bringing together flavors, textures, and those irresistible cheesy layers. Here’s why each one matters:

Pasta (12 oz, rotini or penne): Pick a shape that holds sauce well—rotini or penne are perfect for soaking up all the cheesy, beefy goodness.
Ground beef (1 lb): Brings savory protein and hearty texture to the casserole; use lean or regular, depending on how rich you like it.
Onion (1 small, chopped): Adds sweet, aromatic depth to the beef mixture.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a gentle, fragrant punch that enhances the sauce.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Lifts the flavor with a blend of herbs like basil and oregano—totally essential for that classic casserole taste.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the flavors and brings everything together.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth and spice.
Marinara or pasta sauce (24 oz jar): The saucy base—pick your favorite for extra personality!
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce silky, tangy, and ultra-creamy.
Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Gives bold flavor and that gorgeous melted crust.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds gooey stretch and mellows out the sharp cheddar.
Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): Brightens the finished dish with color and a hint of freshness.

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta until just al dente—firm, but with a bit of bite. This is key, because the noodles will keep cooking in the oven, and you don’t want a mushy casserole! Drain well and set aside while you move on to the hearty beef filling.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef together with the chopped onion. Break up the beef as it sizzles, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and the onions are tender—about 7 to 8 minutes. When everything is nicely caramelized, toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper for that essential savory kick. Pour in your favorite marinara or pasta sauce, stirring well to coat all the beef. Let this simmer for around 5 minutes to bring the flavors together. Once finished, take the skillet off the heat and swirl in the sour cream, creating a luxuriously creamy, tangy base for the casserole.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Now, assemble everything in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Start with half of the cooked pasta, then spread on half the beefy sauce, and sprinkle a thick layer of both cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, and finish with another shower of cheese—the more, the merrier!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Tightly cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully golden in spots. Let the Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole rest for five minutes before slicing—this makes it easier to serve and lets the flavors settle.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving gives your Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole an inviting burst of color and a pop of herby freshness. You can also add a dusting of grated Parmesan, or even a few red pepper flakes for a little extra kick if your crowd likes things spicy.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it shines even brighter with a few simple sides. Pair it with a crisp green salad, some buttery garlic bread, or roasted vegetables—each complements the comforting flavors and adds a bit of freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for rustic charm. If you want to impress at a potluck, try portioning the Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole into individual ramekins. Or, scoop it over a bed of sautéed spinach for a colorful and slightly lighter take.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a perfect option for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

Freezing

To extend the casserole’s life, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil (or place in a freezer-safe container). It freezes beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results; this preserves both the texture and the flavor of the dish.

Reheating

For single portions, the microwave is quick and easy—just cover and heat until piping hot. If reheating a larger section or the whole casserole, place it in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through. Uncover during the last few minutes to re-melt and brown the cheesy top layer.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge.

What other vegetables can I add to the casserole?

Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini. Sauté the veggies with the onion and beef for best results—they’ll blend right in and bump up the nutrition.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! Experiment with Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a little Parmesan for added flavor. Just make sure to keep the total cheese amount similar for perfect melting and gooeyness.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Be sure to cook your pasta just until al dente before assembling the casserole. Since it cooks further in the oven, this helps maintain a pleasant texture and prevents soggy noodles.

Is Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole kid-friendly?

Kids love it! The creamy, cheesy layers and familiar flavors are usually a big hit. For extra kid appeal, you could swap in fun pasta shapes or even sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave old-fashioned comfort with a cheffy twist. Give it a try, and you may find it becomes a staple in your own kitchen, too!

Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe