Introduction
Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together easily? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Penne Pasta Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Packed with savory ground beef, tender penne pasta, sweet corn, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, all blanketed under a layer of melted, bubbly cheese, this baked dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Meta Description
Make this easy and comforting Cheesy Ground Beef and Penne Pasta Casserole recipe at home. Step-by-step instructions, ingredients, storage tips, and FAQs included!
Ingredients
- Pasta: 16 oz (450g) penne pasta
- Meat: 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- Aromatics & Veggies:
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed)
- Sauce & Seasoning:
- 2 cups marinara sauce or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
- Cooking Fat: 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions (Step by Step)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is fully browned and onions are translucent (about 6–7 minutes).
- Add Veggies and Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, diced red and green bell peppers, and sweet corn. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
- Season and Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the meat sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. Stir in half of the shredded cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Service Suggestions
- Serve hot garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil.
- Pair with a crisp, refreshing garden salad tossed in a vinaigrette dressing to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
- Serve alongside warm garlic bread or garlic knots to scoop up any extra sauce.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While penne works wonderfully because the sauce gets trapped inside the tubes, you can easily substitute it with rigatoni, ziti, fusilli, or rotini.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
- What kind of cheese works best? A blend of mozzarella (for great stretch and meltiness) and cheddar (for rich flavor) works best, but you can also use Monterey Jack, provolone, or an Italian cheese blend.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Penne Pasta Casserole is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. With its hearty textures, rich savory sauce, and irresistible layer of melted cheese, it is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at your table. Enjoy!