Go Back
macaroni and cheese

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Ingredients Method

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Coat large baking dish with butter or non stick spray.
  3. Cook dry penne pasta according to the packet instructions.
  4. While your pasta is cooking, prepare the ground beef.
Ground beef:
  1. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, paprika powder, jalapeno pepper powder, black pepper powder, and ground thyme.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Add meat to the hot pan and break into large pieces using a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula.
  4. Break meat into smaller pieces, add seasonings, and brown for approximatively 6-8 minutes.
  5. Set aside.
Creamy dressing:
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, hot sauce, paprika , cayenne pepper, and jalapeno pepper powder.
  2. Set aside.
Assembly:
  1. Transfer cooked and drained pasta to a large bowl.
  2. Add creamy dressing and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to pasta, and combine. Ensure that all the pasta pieces are evenly coated.
  3. Add ground beef.
  4. Add whole kernel corn, sweet peas, and chopped bell peppers.
  5. Combine ingredients.
  6. Transfer pasta salad to a large baking dish.
  7. Top pasta with regular parmesan cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and ketchup (optional).
  8. Transfer pasta to oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Serve immediately.