This is a basic but satisfying and delicious casserole made with pasta and ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings. Top this casserole with Monterey Jack cheese or use a blend shredded American and Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese. It’s similar to an American chop suey in casserole form with a cheese topping.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftover pasta casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours; reheat and eat within 3 to 4 days.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover pasta and ground beef mixture and a splash of water and cook, stirring, until heated through. Alternatively, you could heat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through the cooking time and make sure it is evenly heated.
What to Serve With a Pasta Casserole
- Add a side salad, such as Caesar salad or a green salad tossed with Italian dressing or a vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread, buttered biscuits, or focaccia are excellent breads to serve with a pasta casserole.
Easy Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole
Looking for a hearty and delicious dinner idea? This ground beef and pasta casserole is sure to hit the spot!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Bake
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces uncooked medium shells or mini penne pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85 to 90 percent)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, optional
- 1 cup shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 F and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water following the package directions for al dente. It will cook a bit more in the oven. Drain well.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and celery and cook, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add the garlic and salt and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar (if using) to the beef mixture and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato mixture in the skillet (if large enough) or a large bowl.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheese over the casserole. Bake for 5 minutes longer until the cheese has melted.
