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A cheesy baked pasta casserole in a shallow teal casserole pan with a wooden spoon holding a spoonful of the pasta with melting cheese and tomato sauce.

Cheesy Baked Pasta Casserole


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Description

This Cheesy Baked Pasta Casserole is a hearty dish layered with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 12-ounces medium shells pasta
  • 1 29-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 small white onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • 68 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
  • 12-ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large, oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Once browned, add the minced onions, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for a few minutes.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce and swirl 1/4 cup of water in the can to get every bit of sauce. Add the fresh basil leaves. Stir to combine and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  5. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta to al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. Once the sauce has simmered, add the cooked pasta along with half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until evenly combined (Transfer to an oven-safe casserole dish if you are not using an oven-safe skillet).
  7. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  9. Broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
  11. ENJOY!

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, sausage or a meat alternative. Diced mushrooms and/or diced bell peppers are also great substitutes, or additions.
  • Leave out the meat for a vegetarian baked pasta casserole. 
  • If swapping the tomato sauce for a jarred or homemade marinara, the sauce only needs to simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Cook the pasta just to al dente.
  • If possible, shred the mozzarella off the block.
  • Parmesan cheese also makes for a great addition.
  • Add a few dollops of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
  • Broil for a few minutes to make the cheese bubbly and browned.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Pasta, Dinner
  • Method: Easy
  • Cuisine: American