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    Home » Pasta

    Simple Ground Beef Casserole

    Published: Apr 17, 2020 / Updated: Dec 4, 2021 / 401 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This ground beef casserole recipe is super easy to throw together and feeds a crowd! It's comforting and uses simple ingredients.

    hamburger pasta casserole in a baking dish

    Love casseroles? You may also like my Easy Taco Casserole Recipe or my Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole. 

    This cheesy beef and pasta casserole is sure to be a hit with the kiddos. It's also really easily adaptable based on what you've got in the fridge/pantry/etc. You could even throw in some extra veggies if you want. 

    I wasn't sure whether to call this a casserole or ground beef pasta bake or what. Basically, you just boil up some penne, and while that's cooking, you make a quick tomato and meat sauce. You then toss it together in a 9x13 dish, top it with cheese, and bake. Easy peasy.

    ground beef casserole in a baking dish (ready for the oven)
    Ready for the oven!
    close-up of easy ground beef casserole
    So cheesy.

    Hamburger pasta casserole recipe notes & tips:

    • Don't have marinara sauce? Any jarred tomato-based pasta sauce will work, or use a similar amount of tomato sauce or even a combo of tomato products such as diced tomatoes and tomato paste or crushed tomatoes (I'd then add in a bit of Italian seasoning or other herbs for more flavor). This recipe definitely can be adapted based on what's in your pantry.
    • You can substitute the penne with whatever pasta you have on hand (or even use egg noodles like some casseroles do). I recommend slightly undercooking any pasta/noodles so it doesn't go mushy in the oven. 
    • The ingredient quantities don't have to be exact. A bit more or less beef will be totally fine. Want to add more sauce? Go ahead. Same with the cheese. 🙂 
    • If you want to put a Tex-Mex spin on this recipe, add in some beans, taco spices, and use a Tex-Mex cheese blend. 

    pasta bake with ground beef in a white bowl

    More tasty ground beef recipes:

    • Ground Beef Gnocchi
    • Beef Ramen Noodles (Stir Fry)
    • Easy Hamburger Soup
    • Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
    • Easy Creamy Beef and Shells
    • Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta

    ground beef casserole being lifted out of baking dish with spatula

    Let me know if you'll give this easy ground beef pasta casserole recipe a try!

    Questions? Leave me a comment below.

    hamburger pasta casserole in a baking dish

    Ground Beef Casserole

    This ground beef casserole recipe is super easy to throw together and feeds a crowd! It's comforting and uses simple ingredients.
    4.91 from 120 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 538 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound uncooked penne
    • 1/2 medium onion chopped
    • 1 pound extra lean ground beef
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
    • Salt & pepper to taste
    • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position. Grease a 9x13 baking dish (I use Pam spray).
    • Boil a large, salted pot of water for the penne. Cook it for 10 minutes (it should be slightly underdone so it doesn't get mushy).
    • Add the oil, beef, and onion to a skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up as you go along, for 10 minutes. Once it gets going, stir in the garlic. Spoon out excess fat if needed.
    • Stir in the marinara sauce and warm through. Give it a taste and season with salt & pepper as needed.
    • Drain the pasta and pour it into the baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over top and then toss until it's combined with the pasta. Top with an even layer of the cheese. If you want it extra cheesy, you can stir in an additional half cup of cheese prior to topping it with the rest of the cheese.
    • Bake for 10 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is nicely melted. I then broil it for a few minutes (optional) to brown the cheese up a bit. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    • This is a very flexible recipe where additions/substitutions/etc. are fine. I have some tips within the blog post.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 538kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 34gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 551mgPotassium: 674mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 548IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 236mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword ground beef casserole, ground beef pasta casserole, hamburger casserole, pasta bake with ground beef
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
    Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta »

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    1. Danni says

      May 14, 2022 at 4:06 PM

      I’m currently pregnant and onions give I’ve me a headache. Will it be similar if I use onion powder instead or no onions at all?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 14, 2022 at 4:14 PM

        I think either would be fine, Danni! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Natalie Cobb says

      May 12, 2022 at 7:41 PM

      It doesn’t look like I have the right pasta for this. Can I use rice? Does that count as a pasta type lol

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 12, 2022 at 7:45 PM

        Hi! You could cook some rice and then assemble it as instructed then put it in the oven to melt the cheese haha that would be fine. 🙂

        Reply
        • Natalie Cobb says

          May 12, 2022 at 7:54 PM

          Yessss okay!! Thank you!

          Reply
    3. Megan says

      April 30, 2022 at 12:03 PM

      Is the nutrition information per serving?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 30, 2022 at 12:14 PM

        That's correct.

        Reply
    4. Megan says

      April 29, 2022 at 3:51 PM

      Can I use Alfredo instead of red sauce?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 29, 2022 at 3:54 PM

        Sure!

        Reply
    5. anna says

      April 24, 2022 at 11:20 AM

      5 stars
      looks fast and easy. I haven't made it yet but I need to make something for day after tomorrow. Can I make the sauce, meat, penne bit ahead of time and then do the cheee bit just before baking it?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 24, 2022 at 11:30 AM

        Yup, that'll work fine. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Autumn says

      April 19, 2022 at 8:10 AM

      Can I use velveeta cheese? If so, how much?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 19, 2022 at 10:19 AM

        Hi! I haven't tested it, but I imagine the same amount as suggested would probably be fine unless you usually use less than you'd use cheddar.

        Reply
    7. Catherine Johnson says

      April 14, 2022 at 4:58 PM

      5 stars
      Hi. I was putting this all together and I got my marinara sauce out the fridge.
      I had use to spaghetti sauce instead.
      The marinara sauce was no good.
      Haven't tasted it yet though. Still not done I'm sure it'll be fantastic. Thsnks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 14, 2022 at 8:55 PM

        You're welcome! The recipe is very flexible, so should work just fine. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Chrissy says

      March 23, 2022 at 2:50 PM

      Hi! I am making this as a freezer meal for after my baby is born. How long should I bake from frozen? Thanks

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 24, 2022 at 2:49 PM

        Hi! I haven't personally tested it myself, but perhaps start with putting foil on for 20 then take off the foil and do another 15-20 and see how that goes. If using a ceramic dish, I'd let it warm up a bit first so it doesn't crack.

        Reply
    9. Brionna M says

      March 18, 2022 at 11:33 AM

      5 stars
      OMG! I looked up a quick ground beef recipe so I could make lunch/dinner before work and this was soooo quick, easy and delicious! Definitely gonna use this recipe a lot.

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        March 18, 2022 at 12:50 PM

        That's awesome to hear, Brionna!! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Pauline E Dwyer says

      March 3, 2022 at 6:12 PM

      5 stars
      made this tonight and it is DELICIOUS...Thank you for sharing:}

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 3, 2022 at 9:30 PM

        So glad you liked it!! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Melissa says

      February 15, 2022 at 4:45 PM

      5 stars
      We make this at least 2-3 times a month. It’s definitely a go-to in our house. It’s so yummy, super quick and easy and inexpensive! I add extra sauce to mine but I also use 2lbs of ground beef so, just trying to even it all out. I think one of these times I’ll try adding green peppers and use jalapeño Monterey Jack Cheese. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 15, 2022 at 5:56 PM

        I'm so happy to hear that!! 🙂 You're very welcome, Melissa!

        Reply
    12. Tralonda Jay says

      February 2, 2022 at 5:40 PM

      5 stars
      Quick, Easy & Yummy!!!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        February 2, 2022 at 9:41 PM

        Thrilled you enjoyed it, Tralonda! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Joanne Schumacher says

      January 22, 2022 at 10:25 AM

      For the "Comments" saying that the cheese did not melt well.
      I would like to give a little tip.
      Use a block of cheese and shred it by hand instead of using a bag of shredded cheese.
      Block Cheese shredded by hand melts better.

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 22, 2022 at 11:09 AM

        Absolutely, Joanne! Bagged cheese has extra preservatives to keep it from caking, which also makes it melt less well. Thanks for the tip 🙂

        Reply
    14. Joanne Schumacher says

      January 22, 2022 at 10:12 AM

      Looks Yummy!!
      Try melting shredded Monterey Jack Cheese on top of this casserole dish. It's creamier and more flavorful! 😋

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 22, 2022 at 11:09 AM

        Love that variation! Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    15. Jenn says

      January 19, 2022 at 12:05 PM

      5 stars
      Super simple and delicious! I had all the ingredients on hand and it all came together easily and fast. Once it was done, i added a little hot sauce to give it an extra zing! Something the whole family can enjoy 🙂

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 19, 2022 at 1:34 PM

        Fantastic to hear, Jenn! Glad the whole family liked it!

        Reply
    16. Sherry says

      January 16, 2022 at 12:10 PM

      5 stars
      My family loved this recipe! Followed all directions with no substitutions! I would definitely recommend!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 16, 2022 at 6:31 PM

        That's wonderful! So pleased your family liked it, Sherry.

        Reply
    17. Tamara says

      January 16, 2022 at 10:54 AM

      5 stars
      I love that this is such a simple, adaptable recipe. I added fresh mushrooms and spinach this time, and it was excellent!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 16, 2022 at 6:23 PM

        So glad you liked it, Tamara! We love how versatile it is too 🙂

        Reply
    18. Maniha says

      November 27, 2021 at 8:36 AM

      5 stars
      Love it! I’m not a good cook - not an experienced one either. And I love making this - always turns out great. Super simple to make and easy to follow instructions. Love how you mention that the recipe can totally be adapted based on what’s in the pantry.

      Reply
      • Maniha says

        November 27, 2021 at 8:40 AM

        I’m thinking of making this using Beyond Meat Ground Beef and adding 50% more ground beef than the recipe calls for. Also thinking of adding diced green pepper. Thank you for such a simple yet delicious recipe!

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          November 27, 2021 at 10:41 AM

          Yes that sounds good to me!!

          Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 27, 2021 at 10:41 AM

        I'm so happy to hear that!! 🙂 That was definitely my goal with this recipe... easy to make, adaptable, and inexpensive. Thanks for your review, Maniha!

        Reply
    19. Diane says

      November 23, 2021 at 6:32 PM

      Hello! I just tried your recipe for the beefy penne pasta casserole. Very easy to assemble. I used 2 pounds of ground beef instead of one for a pound of penne pasta plus I also substituted whole wheat penne pasta. I used shredded cheddar but it did not melt very well. I think when I make this again I’ll use a cheese that melts a little bit better. It’s very tasty that’s for sure! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Diane says

        November 23, 2021 at 6:38 PM

        I was just thinking, it could be the brand of shredded cheddar I used. Also my broiler is out so I couldn’t heat the cheese from the top. After reading the other comments, I wish I’d have added some veggies too! Maybe next time I’ll tent some aluminum foil over the top to help the cheese melt more. Thanks again!

        Reply
        • Becky B says

          February 6, 2022 at 5:55 PM

          The aluminum foil will Slow the cheese melting. Leave it uncovered longer ir turn the heat up. The cheese WILL melt

          Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 24, 2021 at 9:00 AM

        Hi Diane! Perhaps try grating your own cheddar - it melts better than the pre-bagged kind. I'm glad you enjoyed it overall! 🙂

        Reply
    20. Connie says

      November 18, 2021 at 11:52 AM

      Actually this recipe is not good. Waste of 1 lb of hamburger and pound of noodles. Cheese and sauce. Do yourself a favor make goulash half the noodles more spices mix all together don't bake.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 18, 2021 at 12:19 PM

        Sorry you didn't like it. It has tons of good reviews, so I wonder why you had such a strong negative reaction to it. 🙁

        Reply
    21. Miriam says

      November 17, 2021 at 10:09 AM

      5 stars
      Greetings from The Netherlands! As today is cold I was looking for an easy and comforting dish. Your recipe was very eady to follow and it looks yummy.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 17, 2021 at 12:41 PM

        Hello!! Here in Canada it's cold today too! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! 🙂

        Reply
        • Donna Almon says

          April 7, 2022 at 6:46 AM

          5 stars
          I have made this 2-3:times and it is always a hit. I always use a plant based substitute with no problems at all. Today I plan on making it for company and am wondering if I can put it together, then refrigerate and bake at the appropriate time?

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            April 7, 2022 at 9:44 AM

            Hi Donna! So glad it's a favorite in your home. Yes, that will definitely work. Perhaps add a little more sauce to it in case the pasta soaks it up a bit.

            Reply
    22. Arlinda Edwards says

      November 7, 2021 at 5:54 PM

      I made this today and added spinach in the meat mixture after it was done then pour over pasta turn out great. Also, I used ground turkey. Yummy

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 7, 2021 at 5:57 PM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it!! 🙂 Love the spinach addition.

        Reply
    23. Kennie P. Coco says

      November 6, 2021 at 7:34 AM

      5 stars
      Great recipe as is. Having said that, there are multiple variations. I have made this a lot. Mexican style, cheesy stroganofish, adding broccolli & cauliflower and shredded carrots etc. Its a great recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 6, 2021 at 10:36 AM

        Totally!! This is definitely a fun one to play with. 🙂 Thanks for your review, Kennie!

        Reply
    24. Debbie says

      November 3, 2021 at 9:30 AM

      5 stars
      Is it saucy enough or can you add more sauce? I don’t want it too soupy . Thanks

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 3, 2021 at 10:39 AM

        It's got quite a bit of sauce. I would try it as-is and then if you find it needs a little more sauce, add another splash of cream at the end.

        Reply
    25. Jaclyn says

      October 24, 2021 at 3:41 PM

      5 stars
      It was very good! A huge hit with the kids. I made a couple changes such as, garlic powder in addition to the clove of garlic, 1 cup of spaghetti sauce and 1 cup of jar Alfredo sauce. It was delicious!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 24, 2021 at 3:46 PM

        Excellent!! 🙂

        Reply
    26. Jennifer says

      October 21, 2021 at 7:02 PM

      I was sneaky and grated carrots and added after the beef was almost cooked.
      Very good!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 21, 2021 at 7:45 PM

        Excellent!! That's a good idea! 🙂

        Reply
    27. Christian says

      October 18, 2021 at 7:04 PM

      So easy and delicious, and leftovers are even better the next day! Glad I found this since I didn’t want to just make spaghetti again 😊

      Reply
      • Christian says

        October 18, 2021 at 7:05 PM

        5 stars
        Meant to rate it 5 whoops lol

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          October 18, 2021 at 7:54 PM

          Thanks!! 😀

          Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 18, 2021 at 7:54 PM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂

        Reply
    28. TS says

      October 18, 2021 at 12:09 PM

      5 stars
      This was a huge hit!! My first meal I made for the family in my new role and they think I'm an amazing chef now. Mwahaha 😈 This was so easy to make but shhhhhh "I slaved for hours" while they were at school/work. Thanks for making me a rockstar.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 18, 2021 at 12:12 PM

        Haha that's awesome!! Thanks for letting me know. SO happy it was a hit! 😀

        Reply
    29. Cathy Romanczuk says

      October 13, 2021 at 3:11 PM

      4 stars
      I substituted taco powder and water for the marina. I also used rotini instead of penne—because that’s what I had. My daughter approved by grabbing some even before I put it in the oven.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 13, 2021 at 8:57 PM

        Haha love it!! So glad it was a hit.

        Reply
    30. Donna Kemp says

      October 9, 2021 at 9:14 AM

      H I wanted to make this tonight for dinner but i dont have shredded cheddar .
      Do you think it would be okay to use 4 cheese mexican blend?
      It has monterey , mild cheddar , queso quesadilla and asadero cheese .
      Thanks,
      Donna Kemp

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 9, 2021 at 9:52 AM

        Yes! That's totally fine.

        Reply
    31. Heather says

      October 8, 2021 at 1:43 PM

      Hi! I'm making this right now and I'm thinking about mixing some ricotta with an egg and mixing it in with the meat mixture and then baking it with the cheese on top Just worried about the egg and the ricotta fitting in okay lol what do you think

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 8, 2021 at 1:48 PM

        I think that should be ok! I know some lasagna recipes do that, so I think it would be worth a shot! Let me know how it goes. 🙂

        Reply
    32. Gramma says

      October 3, 2021 at 9:02 AM

      I’m using leftover penne pasta and was wondering if I cooked up some hamburger with taco seasoning that I could use some salsa and turn it into a taco flavored thing?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 3, 2021 at 12:00 PM

        Sure, I think that would work fine 🙂

        Reply
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