Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

This baked beef and pasta casserole is a great meal when you want something warm, filling, and easy. It has simple ingredients like pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese, all baked together in one dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting dinner without much work.

This dish is also very family-friendly. Kids and adults love it because it tastes like a mix of spaghetti and lasagna. You can also add your favorite spices or veggies to make it your own. It’s easy to adjust based on what you have at home.

Another reason to make this recipe is how well it stores. You can prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it up. It’s a great option for meal prep or for feeding a crowd.

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How to Make Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain the fat.
3. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, and water to the skillet. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the beef sauce.
5. Pour half of the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top. Then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.