Cozy Pasta Casserole Recipe – Warm, Cheesy Comfort in One Dish

Introduction

The oven hums and the house smells like tomato and melted cheese — that’s the moment I know dinner will feel like a hug. This Cozy Pasta Casserole sits right at the heart of those evenings, bubbling and golden and impossibly inviting. When I make it, I think of slow Sunday dinners and kids scraping the edges with forks. Also, if you love easy weeknight wins, try pairing this with my bowtie pasta with Velveeta beef sauce for another cozy throwback.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, even on busy nights.
• Comforting homemade flavor that fills the whole house.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a comforting meal.
• Always a crowd-pleaser — kids and adults both smile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced — Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Also, consider a splash of olive oil while browning meat if your pan looks dry.

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll hear the oven click on and feel that warm promise of dinner.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. Meanwhile, you’ll smell the pasta water — it’s a cozy, starchy scent.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Stir often so the onion softens and the garlic smells sweet and toasty.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for a few minutes. Then taste and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if you like. The sauce should smell bright and rich.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until everything looks saucy and cheesy. This Cozy Pasta Casserole already smells amazing at this point.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out so the top will brown evenly.
7. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese. A generous layer makes that melty, golden top we love.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges turn lightly golden. You’ll see the cheeses pull into stretchy strings when it’s ready.
9. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving. Serve hot and let everyone dig in with napkins handy.

For a similar twist on a baked pasta, check out this cheesy bowtie casserole that uses different shapes and seasonings.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Brown the meat while the pasta water comes to a boil, so steps overlap and dinner comes together faster.
• Fix for soggy pasta: If your casserole seems watery, bake it uncovered for a few extra minutes to let steam escape.
• Flavor twist: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or roasted red peppers for color and brightness. For another hearty bake option, see this cauliflower casserole for a veggie-packed side.

Serving Ideas

Serve this Cozy Pasta Casserole straight from the pan while it’s still sizzling. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and crunchy garlic bread. Also, top with extra basil or a drizzle of good olive oil for a finishing touch. For weekend brunches, serve alongside roasted potatoes or my favorite cheesy bacon and hash brown casserole for an indulgent spread.

Storing & Leftovers

• Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To freeze, portion into a freezer-safe dish and keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave single portions and finish under a broiler for a minute to refresh the top. A leftover idea: turn slices into hot sandwiches with extra cheese and a little marinara on the side.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Make it the day before and bake right before serving. It often tastes even better the next day.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use ground turkey, Italian sausage, or skip meat for a vegetarian version. This Cozy Pasta Casserole is forgiving.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the oven while it’s still warm and aromatic. Add a simple salad and some crusty bread.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and bubbling cheese on top — that fragrant smell tells you it’s ready.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is the kind I make when the weather cools and the family needs a little extra comfort. Also, it’s the kind of dish that brings folks together around the table, talking and scraping every cheesy corner. Try it once and then make it your own — swap cheeses, add veggies, or make it extra garlicky. Either way, it will become a reliable favorite.

Cozy Pasta Casserole is more than a meal; it’s a small celebration in a pan.

Conclusion

If you want a slightly different take, I like the hearty spin in this Pasta Bake Recipe – The Cozy Cook that leans into rustic flavors. For a mini-meatball version with lots of mozzarella, check out this delicious Meatball Pasta Bake with Marinara + Mozzarella – A Cozy Kitchen.

Cozy Pasta Casserole

A quick and easy pasta casserole filled with ground beef or turkey, marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Meat

• 12 oz 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 lb 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.

Sauce and Toppings

• 24 oz 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Stir often until the onion softens.

Sauce and Mixing

1. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for a few minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.

Assembly and Baking

1. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
2. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges turn lightly golden.
4. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Notes

Time-saver: Brown the meat while the pasta water comes to a boil. For a flavor twist, stir in a handful of chopped spinach or roasted red peppers.