This ground beef casserole recipe is super easy to throw together and feeds a crowd! It's comforting and uses simple ingredients.
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.
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.
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
Let me know if you'll give this easy ground beef pasta casserole recipe a try!
Questions? Leave me a comment below.
Ground Beef Casserole
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.
Danni says
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?
Natasha says
I think either would be fine, Danni! 🙂
Natalie Cobb says
It doesn’t look like I have the right pasta for this. Can I use rice? Does that count as a pasta type lol
Natasha says
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. 🙂
Natalie Cobb says
Yessss okay!! Thank you!
Megan says
Is the nutrition information per serving?
Natasha says
That's correct.
Megan says
Can I use Alfredo instead of red sauce?
Natasha says
Sure!
anna says
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?
Natasha says
Yup, that'll work fine. 🙂
Autumn says
Can I use velveeta cheese? If so, how much?
Natasha says
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.
Catherine Johnson says
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.
Natasha says
You're welcome! The recipe is very flexible, so should work just fine. 🙂
Chrissy says
Hi! I am making this as a freezer meal for after my baby is born. How long should I bake from frozen? Thanks
Natasha says
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.
Brionna M says
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.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
That's awesome to hear, Brionna!! 🙂
Pauline E Dwyer says
made this tonight and it is DELICIOUS...Thank you for sharing:}
Natasha says
So glad you liked it!! 🙂
Melissa says
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!!
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that!! 🙂 You're very welcome, Melissa!
Tralonda Jay says
Quick, Easy & Yummy!!!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Thrilled you enjoyed it, Tralonda! 🙂
Joanne Schumacher says
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.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Absolutely, Joanne! Bagged cheese has extra preservatives to keep it from caking, which also makes it melt less well. Thanks for the tip 🙂
Joanne Schumacher says
Looks Yummy!!
Try melting shredded Monterey Jack Cheese on top of this casserole dish. It's creamier and more flavorful! 😋
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Love that variation! Enjoy 🙂
Jenn says
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 🙂
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Fantastic to hear, Jenn! Glad the whole family liked it!
Sherry says
My family loved this recipe! Followed all directions with no substitutions! I would definitely recommend!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
That's wonderful! So pleased your family liked it, Sherry.
Tamara says
I love that this is such a simple, adaptable recipe. I added fresh mushrooms and spinach this time, and it was excellent!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
So glad you liked it, Tamara! We love how versatile it is too 🙂
Maniha says
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.
Maniha says
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!
Natasha says
Yes that sounds good to me!!
Natasha says
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!
Diane says
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!
Diane says
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!
Becky B says
The aluminum foil will Slow the cheese melting. Leave it uncovered longer ir turn the heat up. The cheese WILL melt
Natasha says
Hi Diane! Perhaps try grating your own cheddar - it melts better than the pre-bagged kind. I'm glad you enjoyed it overall! 🙂
Connie says
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.
Natasha says
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. 🙁
Miriam says
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.
Natasha says
Hello!! Here in Canada it's cold today too! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! 🙂
Donna Almon says
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?
Natasha says
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.
Arlinda Edwards says
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
Natasha says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it!! 🙂 Love the spinach addition.
Kennie P. Coco says
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.
Natasha says
Totally!! This is definitely a fun one to play with. 🙂 Thanks for your review, Kennie!
Debbie says
Is it saucy enough or can you add more sauce? I don’t want it too soupy . Thanks
Natasha says
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.
Jaclyn says
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!!
Natasha says
Excellent!! 🙂
Jennifer says
I was sneaky and grated carrots and added after the beef was almost cooked.
Very good!
Natasha says
Excellent!! That's a good idea! 🙂
Christian says
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 😊
Christian says
Meant to rate it 5 whoops lol
Natasha says
Thanks!! 😀
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂
TS says
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.
Natasha says
Haha that's awesome!! Thanks for letting me know. SO happy it was a hit! 😀
Cathy Romanczuk says
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.
Natasha says
Haha love it!! So glad it was a hit.
Donna Kemp says
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
Natasha says
Yes! That's totally fine.
Heather says
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
Natasha says
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. 🙂
Gramma says
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?
Natasha says
Sure, I think that would work fine 🙂