If you are looking for a simple and flavorful dish, perfect for any gatherings – potluck, game day, picnic, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.; then, this cheesy pasta casserole recipe is the one for you! Not only, it’s quick and simple; but, it can also be prepared using simple everyday ingredients.
The taste of this recipe resides in: firstly, a creamy and delectable dressing that combines mayo, tomato ketchup and spices together; secondly, the aged parmesan cheese or Parmigiano-Reggiano (aged at least 24 months), due to its rich and distinctive flavor; and lastly, the savory ground beef.
Step-by-Step Guide & Tips:
Here’s a little step-by-step guide and tips to prepare this recipe:
- Step 1: prepare the ground beef by heating 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pan. Add the ground meat to the pan and start break meat into large pieces. A wooden spoon works best to break the meat. Add spices. As you are combining spices with meat, break it into smaller pieces. Let it brown for several minutes, approximatively 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
- Step 2: prepare the creamy dressing by combining mayo, tomato ketchup, hot sauce, paprika, cayenne, and jalapeno pepper powders in a bowl.
- Step 3: cook the pasta according to packet instructions in a large pot. Add some salt to the water to boost the pasta’s flavor. Pay attention to the texture of the pasta; a firm, but chewy texture is best for this recipe.
- Step 4: after cooking and draining the pasta, pour dressing over it and mix. Ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with dressing; then, add grated aged parmesan cheese and ground beef. Combine the ingredients.
- Step 5: add the rest of the ingredients: corn, peas, and chopped bell peppers and combine. Transfer pasta to large baking dish, top with regular parmesan cheese and sharp cheddar cheese. Add splashes of tomato ketchup, and bake. Serve immediately.
The Best Cheesy Pasta Casserole
This cheese and creamy pasta casserole recipe is quick and simple. It's perfect for any gatherings – potluck, game day, picnic, etc. It's very flavorful and can be prepared using simple everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
Ground beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon jalapeno pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground thyme
Pasta:
- 5-6 cups dry penne pasta
- 2 cups whole kernel corn
- 2 cups sweet peas
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano aged parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup regular parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon jalapeno pepper powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Coat large baking dish with butter or non stick spray.
- Cook dry penne pasta according to the packet instructions.
- While your pasta is cooking, prepare the ground beef.
Ground beef:
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, paprika powder, jalapeno pepper powder, black pepper powder, and ground thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add meat to the hot pan and break into large pieces using a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula.
- Break meat into smaller pieces, add seasonings, and brown for approximatively 6-8 minutes.
- Set aside.
Creamy dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, hot sauce, paprika , cayenne pepper, and jalapeno pepper powder.
- Set aside.
Assembly:
- Transfer cooked and drained pasta to a large bowl.
- Add creamy dressing and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to pasta, and combine. Ensure that all the pasta pieces are evenly coated.
- Add ground beef.
- Add whole kernel corn, sweet peas, and chopped bell peppers.
- Combine ingredients.
- Transfer pasta salad to a large baking dish.
- Top pasta with regular parmesan cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and ketchup (optional).
- Transfer pasta to oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
