Learn how to make a cozy, cheesy pasta casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. This simple recipe can be tailored for meat lovers or vegetarians and is sure to please everyone at the table.
Pasta Casserole Recipes
When it comes to hearty and comforting weeknight meals, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven. Versatile and forgiving, these dishes can accommodate a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, hether you're feeding the meat-lovers in your family, catering to vegetarians, or trying to use up the odds and ends in your fridge.
You can make classic dishes like Tuna Noodle Casserole or try something a bit different, like Cheeseburger Casserole. Each recipe is made to be easy, so you can cook a delicious meal without too much work. Let's gather our ingredients and preheat our ovens to create a dish that promises to bring smiles and satisfaction to your dinner table.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
The Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole brings back cozy memories with its creamy mushroom soup, tender noodles, and a golden, crunchy potato chip topping. Originating from a family recipe filled with love, and a mix of broccoli and heaps of cheese, this dish stands out for its comforting hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 cups chopped broccoli (about ½ pound)
- 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 (6-ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
Cheeseburger Casserole
Fusing the joy of childhood meals with the ease of modern cooking, Cheeseburger Casserole turns a classic patty and bun into a one-dish wonder. imagine spooning up beefy, cheesy goodness, bubbling under a golden blanket of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack. Every forkful is a trip down memory lane with the hearty flavors of home but without the box.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340g) dried elbow macaroni (about 6 cups dry pasta)
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (I like 80:20)
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed for salting the pasta water
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons butter
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup tomato puree
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Pasta Bake Recipe
This versatile dish lets you pick from ziti, penne, or rigatoni, ensuring each spoonful is packed with robust marinara, ground beef, and a double hit of cheesy delight from ricotta and mozzarella. Perfect for making ahead, it's the crowd-pleaser that pairs dreamily with crispy garlic bread. Simple, scrumptious, and baked to bubbly perfection, it's the warm hug your dinner table has been waiting for.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Pasta, ziti, penne, or rigatoni
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 egg, whisked
- 2 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, separated
- 1 lb. ground beef, see notes
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon EACH: Salt/Pepper
- 1 teaspoon EACH: Onion powder + Italian Seasoning
- 2 (24 oz.) jars marinara sauce, I recommend Rao's brand or homemade
- Fresh Parsley, to garnish
Baked Ziti Recipe
Perfect for making ahead, freezing, and is fully customizable to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It's a simple, no-fuss recipe where mozzarella meets parmesan to create the ultimate pasta delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta, or penne pasta or gluten-free pasta
- 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz fresh ricotta
- 10 fresh basil leaves
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
4 Ingredient Chicken Pasta Casserole
A perfect union of precooked chicken, your favorite pasta sauce, any short-cut pasta, and loads of melty mozzarella, this dish is the weeknight hero. It’s a breeze to prepare in just 30 minutes, promising a comforting meal on busy days.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Leftover, frozen or pre-cooked chicken
- 1 Jar Marinara sauce
- 4 cups any type cooked pasta, drained
- 1-1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake
With just a few simple ingredients – pasta, creamy marinara sauce, and loads of cheese – it's a cinch to make. Whether you stick to the basics or toss in extras like sausage, chicken, or veggies, this bake is versatile, filling, and loved by everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne or rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 24 ounces marinara sauce or pasta sauce
- 14 ½ ounces petite diced tomatoes drained
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley
Chicken Pasta Casserole
Made with either leftover or freshly-made chicken and blended with the goodness of sweetcorn, artichokes, and a choice of sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It's all about mixing, topping with cheese, and baking until golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- 9 ounces Penne Pasta (250 grams)
- 1 cup Canned Sweetcorn , drained, (180 grams), see note 1
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken , diced, (240 grams), see note 2
- 10 ounces Artichoke Hearts , drained (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Dried Basil
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 14 ounces Pureed Tomatoes (400 milliliters), see note 3
- 9 ounces Shredded Cheese (250 grams), see note 4
Easy Baked Penne
Easy Baked Penne turns a simple pasta meal into a cheesy, creamy delight that’s perfect for your next potluck or family dinner. This dish is brimming with mozzarella and uses secret ingredients like cottage cheese and sour cream to boost its richness—without the meat.
Ingredients:
- 1 12-16 ounce box penne pasta
- 1 24 ounce jar pasta sauce (and brand/flavor you like)
- 8 ounces cottage cheese , low fat is fine
- 8 ounces sour cream , low fat is fine
- 5 cloves garlic , pressed
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella , divided
Cheesy Beef And Pasta Casserole
Packed with rich marinara, gooey cheese, and savory beef, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week. Ideal for both potlucks and picky eaters, it's a cozy meal that leaves everyone satisfied and maybe a bit ready for a nap.
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces penne pasta, cooked according to package directions and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, optional
- 1 pound lean ground beef, I used 93% lean
- 1 medium sweet Vidalia onion, diced small
- 1 medium/large red bell pepper, diced small
- 3 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- one 26-ounce jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- fresh basil or parsley, optional for garnishing
Creamy Chicken And Mini Penne Casserole
Whipping up this dish is a breeze, thanks to shortcuts like condensed soup and frozen veggies. Whether you're using left-over chicken or grabbing a rotisserie on the go, it's a full, delicious dinner in one dish that promises to bring smiles around the table.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces mini penne pasta, classic penne, or macaroni
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Dash of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, or cream of chicken soup with herbs
- ¾ cup milk, whole or low fat
- ½ cup sour cream, full fat or reduced fat
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, or about ¾ cup grated
