Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole

This cheesy beef and pasta casserole is the ultimate easy comfort food. Made with seasoned ground beef, mushrooms, tomato sauce, pasta, and plenty of melted mozzarella for a family-friendly dinner.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword baked pasta casserole, cheesy beef and pasta casserole, easy beef dinner, ground beef casserole

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings

Calories 541kcal

Author Tiffany bendayan

Ingredients

For Beef

1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion chopped
8 ounces mushrooms chopped
4 garlic cloves minced
2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
24 ounces tomato sauce or marinara sauce

For The Casserole

24 ounces frozen cavatelli pasta
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Make the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add mushrooms and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Assemble The Casserole

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Spread the frozen cavatelli in a large casserole dish.
Pour the beef sauce over the pasta and stir to combine evenly.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover tightly with foil.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Frozen cavatelli works great here because it cooks right in the casserole.
If using fresh or shelf-stable pasta, the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
Swap ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef if preferred.
Add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies.
This casserole freezes beautifully, both before and after baking.
Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition