Easy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, family-friendly meal that’s both comforting and satisfying, then this Easy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. I love this recipe because it comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, you’ll find this casserole hits all the right notes with cheesy, hearty goodness that everyone in my family goes crazy for.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish truly shines because of its simple, high-impact ingredients that work together to create a cozy, cheesy casserole. When shopping, grab quality ground beef and gooey cheeses—you’ll notice the difference in flavor and texture.

• Medium pasta shells: Their shape holds sauce and cheese perfectly, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for juicier, more flavorful results.
• Tomato soup: This adds a comforting, slightly sweet tomato flavor without extra fuss.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives depth and that familiar, melty cheesiness that everyone loves.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: I like adding mozzarella because it makes the cheese extra gooey and stretchy—feel free to skip if you prefer only cheddar.
• Water: Just a little to help blend the tomato soup into a nice sauce consistency.
• Garlic, salt, and pepper: Basic seasoning that brings out all the flavors perfectly.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Easy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often change up the cheeses or sneak in veggies to make it even better.

• Add veggies: I sometimes toss in diced bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with the beef—I never tell my kids until after they’ve devoured it!
• Cheese choices: Swap mozzarella for provolone or add a sprinkle of Parmesan for a flavor boost.
• Spice it up: I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to switch things up for date night.
• Make it into a slow cooker meal: Brown the beef and combine ingredients, then toss in your slow cooker for an even hands-off dinner.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling the medium pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, which means they still have a little bite—not mushy. Drain and set aside. Pro tip: Save a little pasta water just in case your sauce needs loosening up later—it can save your casserole from drying out.

Step 2: Brown the Beef with Seasoning

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet and brown your ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your taste. Once fully cooked and no longer pink, drain excess fat if needed. I discovered that properly seasoning the beef here creates a big flavor difference in the final dish.

Step 3: Stir Sauce and Cheese Into Beef and Pasta

Lower the heat to medium, then add your cooked pasta, two cans of tomato soup, half a cup of water, and half the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the skillet. Stir everything so the sauce evenly coats the pasta and beef. Let it cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and melt some cheese inside—this trick keeps the casserole extra cheesy throughout.

Step 4: Bake and Broil for the Perfect Melt

Transfer the mixture to your greased 9×13 baking dish, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes to get the top bubbly and golden. To really make it shine, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn, but that golden crust is utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes for this casserole are freshly chopped parsley or basil—they add a pop of color and freshness against all that cheesy richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese or crushed red pepper flakes on top for a little zing.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this alongside a simple green salad or some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for balance. Garlic bread also makes a fantastic accompaniment—it soaks up any extra sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins for cute, single-serving casseroles. They’re perfect for potlucks or when you want to impress guests with something a bit more personal. Plus, makes leftovers easy to grab and go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight—my family often says the second-day casserole tastes even better than fresh.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully! Just bake it through step 3, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. This trick saves so much time on busy nights.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which keeps the cheese from getting rubbery. Microwaving works too, but I recommend adding a minute or two extra to get it hot all the way through without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole Recipe has been a true lifesaver for me on hectic evenings when I want something warm, filling, and hassle-free. It’s one of those comforting dishes I come back to again and again because it’s straightforward, budget-friendly, and endlessly satisfying. I really hope you try it out soon; grab those simple ingredients and bake up a batch that’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe box just like it is in mine!

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