Name: Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 ounces penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (25-ounce) jar marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); ¼ cup fresh basil, torn plus more for garnishing; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 30 reviews

If you are craving a comforting and hearty meal that brings the whole family to the table with smiles, this Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender penne pasta, savory browned ground beef, fragrant herbs, rich marinara sauce, and a melty blanket of mozzarella cheese, this casserole offers layers of irresistible flavors and textures all baked together in one dish. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe delivers satisfying taste with simple ingredients that turn everyday pantry staples into a memorable feast.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There are seven main components: a bowl of uncooked yellow penne pasta centered in the image; to the right, a bowl with raw ground meat colored in pinkish-red; below it, a smaller bowl filled with shredded white cheese. To the bottom left, a bowl holds thick red tomato sauce, and above it, a small bowl of dried herbs is seen. Next to that is a small bowl containing salt and ground pepper, with a clear glass bottle filled with yellow olive oil nearby. At the top, a few fresh green basil leaves sit beside two peeled cloves of garlic and a whole yellow onion near the bottom-center. The lighting is bright, enhancing the natural colors of the ingredients, and the whole scene looks clean and organized. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, relying on classic ingredients that each play a vital role in building the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the al dente penne to the fresh basil sprinkle, every component is essential to the deliciousness of the Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe.

16 ounces penne pasta: The tubular shape holds sauce beautifully while providing a satisfying bite.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef evenly.
1 pound lean ground beef: Brings hearty protein and savory flavor.
1 large onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A perfect herb blend that elevates the entire dish.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor without overpowering.
½ teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
2 garlic cloves, minced: For that wonderful fragrant punch.
1 (25-ounce) jar marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for a rich tomato base.

¼ cup fresh basil, torn: Bright, fresh notes that contrast the rich sauce plus extra for garnishing.
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey topping everyone will love.

How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add the penne pasta. Cook it just until al dente — slightly firm to the bite — according to the package instructions. Drain it well, but don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water; it will help marry the sauce and pasta later beautifully. Transfer the drained pasta to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions

Next, heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and diced onions. Season them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and break up the beef into smaller pieces using the back of a spoon as it cooks. This will take about 10 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and the onions become translucent and soft, creating a delicious savory foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Marinara, and Basil

Now toss in minced garlic and cook just for another minute until fragrant — the kitchen will start smelling incredible at this point. Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle torn fresh basil over the top. Stir everything together until well combined. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pasta in your baking dish, tossing gently to coat every piece. If the sauce looks too thick or dry, pour in some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve a silky, glossy texture that clings to the noodles wonderfully.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake

Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese liberally over the entire casserole. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts turning lightly golden brown. The combination of bubbling marinara sauce, seasoned beef, and gooey mozzarella comes together perfectly in this last step, creating a satisfying melty crust that makes everyone eager for dinner.

How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with baked penne pasta mixed with a hearty meat sauce. The pasta is covered with a layer of melted, lightly browned cheese that has a creamy and slightly golden texture. Small pieces of cooked ground meat and bits of tomato can be seen evenly spread throughout the dish, adding a rich reddish-brown and red color. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top as a garnish, creating a bright contrast against the cheese. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface next to a bowl of chopped green herbs and a wooden spoon, capturing a cozy and inviting meal moment photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

One of the joys of this dish is how beautiful it looks right out of the oven. Sprinkle a few more torn fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant green pop and a fresh herbal aroma that cuts through the richness. If you love extra texture, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds an elegant final touch.

Side Dishes

This casserole is filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables really rounds out the meal. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic accompaniments, perfect for dipping into any leftover marinara sauce that's still warm on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family meal, serve it straight from the baking dish at the table — it’s rustic and inviting. To make it a bit more special, plate individual servings topped with a sprig of fresh basil and a dusting of Parmesan. For gatherings, mini versions baked in individual ramekins are a fun way to wow your guests with personalized portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe reheats wonderfully and tastes just as good the next day. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before reheating, let it come to room temperature for more even warming.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, making it an excellent meal prep option. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, use an oven set to 350°F and cover the dish with foil to prevent excessive browning. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals until hot, stirring halfway through for even heat distribution.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini will work perfectly and add a fun twist.

Is it necessary to use fresh basil, or can I substitute dried?

Fresh basil brings a bright, aromatic quality that dried simply can’t match here. If you must substitute, use about a teaspoon of dried basil, but add it earlier in cooking to allow the flavors to develop.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils, and perhaps add some extra seasoning. It will still be delicious and filling.

What type of marinara sauce should I use?

Store-bought marinara is fine for convenience, but a good-quality sauce with fresh-tasting tomatoes makes a big difference. Homemade marinara is even better if you have the time.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while cooking the ground beef or stir some crushed chili peppers into the marinara sauce to give the casserole a nice kick that complements the rich flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe has become such a treasured dish in my home for its ease, heartiness, and incredible flavor. I encourage you to give it a try the next time you want a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Once you make it, I’m certain it will become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation too!

Ground Beef Pasta Casserole with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need