Northwest Ohio-Style Baked Pasta Casserole
A comforting baked pasta dish combining rich tomato sauce, ground beef, and melted cheese, reflecting the hearty Midwestern spirit. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs penne pasta, 85% lean ground beef, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 470 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb, 85% lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 24 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz penne pasta for 9 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Stir in 24 oz tomato sauce, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Combine the cooked penne with the meat sauce in a large mixing bowl, then transfer half the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the first layer, then add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
- Step 7: Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 8: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
- Step 9: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Northwest Ohio-Style Baked Pasta Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Northwest Ohio-Style Baked Pasta Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Northwest Ohio-Style Baked Pasta Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Northwest Ohio-Style Baked Pasta Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Northwest Ohio-Style Baked Pasta Casserole?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
