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.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a little olive oil.

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well.

Step 7

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 10

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 11

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 13

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2015.9 grams (2015.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3460

Total Fat 195.00g	250%
Saturated Fat 89.10g	446%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 673mg	224%
Sodium 5987mg	260%
Total Carbohydrate 224.10g	81%
Dietary Fiber 15.60g	56%
Total Sugars 27.80g
Protein 212.30g	425%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3271mg	252%
Iron 13mg	73%
Potassium 2070mg	44%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.1%

Protein: 24.3%

Carbs: 25.6%