Pasta Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, budget-friendly dinner that’s loved by kids and grown-ups alike? This pasta casserole is everything you want in a weeknight meal: easy to make, cheesy, comforting, and full of flavor. You can prep it ahead, pop it in the oven, and let it bubble into golden perfection while you unwind or set the table.

This recipe is also super flexible—customize it with your favorite meats, veggies, or cheeses to make it your own!

🛒 What You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or homemade pasta sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed
• ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese for creaminess
• Red pepper flakes for heat

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Casserole

1. Cook your pasta just until al dente—it’ll finish cooking in the oven.
2. Add a little pasta water to your sauce for extra silkiness.
3. Use a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for extra cheesy flavor.
4. Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking so it sets up nicely for serving.
5. Double the batch and freeze one for later!

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• Use ground turkey, chicken, or meatless crumbles instead of beef
• Swap in gluten-free pasta if needed
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and loading up on veggies
• Use Alfredo sauce or pesto for a creamy twist!

🔪 Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl (optional if layering)

🕒 Make Ahead & Storage Tips

• Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking
• Freeze baked or unbaked casserole up to 3 months (wrap tightly)
• Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions

🔥 How to Make Pasta Casserole

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.
2. Stir in garlic, cook 1 minute more.
3. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and simmer 5 minutes.

3️⃣ Combine Pasta & Sauce

In a large bowl or directly in the skillet, mix together cooked pasta, meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese.

4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole

1. Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
2. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5️⃣ Bake & Serve

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

🧊 Leftovers & Freezing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months
• To reheat: Bake from frozen (covered) at 350°F for 45–60 minutes or until heated through

🍝 Cozy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing

This easy pasta casserole is total comfort food—filling, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. It’s great for potlucks, busy nights, or anytime you want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

Tried it? Let me know what add-ins or sauces you used—and if your family asked for seconds! 🍽️🧀