Italian Ground Beef Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with this hearty Italian Ground Beef Casserole, a surefire crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Made with tender penne pasta, savory seasoned ground beef, and a rich marinara sauce, this casserole is layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan for ultimate cheesy decadence. A hint of red pepper flakes and fragrant Italian seasoning elevate the flavor, while a golden crust adds a satisfying finish. Easy to prepare in just under an hour, this one-dish wonder is a stress-free solution for feeding a hungry table. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of brightness, and serve it alongside a crisp salad or warm garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.
The Toxic-Free Cutting Board
Medical-grade titanium. No microplastics. No bacteria. No compromises.
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a little olive oil.
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-7 minutes.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well.
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the meat sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan. Mix until well incorporated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
614 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.7 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.1 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 106 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 923 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.0 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 35.3 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 468 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 321 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
