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Make Ahead Ground Beef Casserole

Make ahead ground beef casserole with pasta and golden cheese crust
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This is the ultimate freezer-friendly comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. A hearty blend of uncooked pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses, all assembled ahead of time for a stress-free dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces short pasta, like rotini, penne, or ziti (uncooked)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or beef broth
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  4. To the skillet, add the uncooked pasta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, all the cheddar, Parmesan, and milk or broth. Stir until well combined and cheese begins to melt.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
  6. To bake now: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10-15 more minutes until cheese is golden and pasta is tender. To freeze for later: Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking as directed.
  7. Let the baked casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

The pasta is added uncooked; it will cook perfectly in the sauce during baking. Letting the casserole rest after baking is crucial for clean slices. For a lighter version, use ground turkey, part-skim cheeses, or add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/make-ahead-ground-beef-casserole/