Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Few dishes satisfy quite like a bubbling Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole fresh from the oven. This dish is hearty, creamy, and packed with rich flavor — a true comfort classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and layers of melty cheese come together in a creamy tomato sauce that feeds the soul and brings everyone to the table. I once added a spoonful of ricotta to the sauce, and it made the casserole unbelievably rich and creamy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is guaranteed to please every crowd.
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Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole: A Hearty, Soul-Warming Classic for Every Table
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars are a decadent layered dessert with a buttery cookie crust, gooey caramel, crushed Butterfinger candy, and a smooth chocolate topping. They’re crunchy, chewy, and irresistibly sweet — a candy lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 4 bars)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and salt until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust, then drizzle caramel sauce on top. Bake for another 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot layer. Let them sit for 2–3 minutes to melt, then spread evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle crushed Butterfinger pieces over the melted chocolate, pressing them gently to adhere.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add a layer of chopped pretzels beneath the chocolate.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use mini chocolate chips for faster melting and smoother spreading.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef – The heart of the casserole. Choose lean beef (85–90%) for rich flavor without excess grease.
Pasta – Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works best, as it holds the sauce beautifully.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Garlic – Brings warmth and savory aroma that infuses the sauce.
Tomato sauce – Forms the base of the casserole, giving it that signature tangy, rich tomato flavor.
Diced tomatoes – Add texture and freshness to the sauce, balancing the creaminess of the cheese.
Italian seasoning – A classic blend of basil, oregano, and thyme that enhances every bite.
Paprika – Adds color and subtle smokiness.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and deepen the flavor.
Cream cheese – Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
Cheddar cheese – Sharp and melty, providing bold flavor throughout the casserole.
Mozzarella cheese – Gives that gooey, stretchy finish we all love in baked pasta dishes.
Butter and olive oil – Used to sauté the onion and garlic and enrich the sauce.
Parsley (optional) – For a fresh, colorful garnish before serving.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and well combined.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with easeServings and timing
This recipe makes 8 servings and takes about 50 minutes total — 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of baking. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dessert.Storage/reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore their soft texture.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 portions.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. For freezing, wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil before baking and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Kick
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the beef mixture for a bold, spicy flavor.
Three-Cheese Blend
Mix Parmesan with cheddar and mozzarella for a richer, more complex cheesy topping.
Veggie Boost
Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Creamy Alfredo Twist
Replace half the tomato sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamy, tangy hybrid that’s irresistible.
Tex-Mex Style
Add taco seasoning and top with jalapeños and sour cream for a southwestern-inspired casserole.
Bacon Lovers’ Edition
Sprinkle crisp bacon bits over the top before baking for smoky, salty crunch.
Greek-Inspired Version
Swap Italian seasoning for oregano and feta cheese for a Mediterranean spin.
Low-Carb Option
Replace pasta with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
Extra-Creamy Upgrade
Mix in a few spoonfuls of ricotta cheese for a decadent, lasagna-like texture.
Kid-Friendly Mini Casseroles
Bake in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings that little ones will love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work beautifully.
Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of homemade?
Absolutely — choose a high-quality marinara or tomato basil sauce for convenience.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it after baking?
Yes, freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms blend seamlessly into the sauce.
What’s the best cheese to use?
A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives great flavor and melt — but feel free to experiment!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal — hearty, creamy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. The rich sauce, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned beef come together in a dish that feels like home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner, this recipe is the kind of meal that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen — the kind of casserole that never fails to bring smiles to the table.