What’s the one dish you can count on when guests are coming over, and you want something comforting, crowd-pleasing, and completely stress-free? For many home cooks, the answer is a hearty baked casserole that delivers bold flavor without complicated steps. Company casserole with beef, marinara, and cheese is one of those timeless recipes that feels both familiar and special, making it perfect for hosting family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.

This recipe layers seasoned ground beef, rich marinara sauce, tender pasta, and plenty of melted cheese into a satisfying baked dish that’s easy to assemble and even easier to love. It’s designed for cooks who want dependable results, flexible ingredients, and a meal that holds up beautifully on the table. If you’ve ever wanted a go-to casserole that earns compliments every single time, this is the one worth mastering.

How to Make Company Casserole with Beef, Marinara, and Cheese

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6–8 servings

Ingredients

• • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced using a chef’s knife)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced with a garlic press)
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (high-quality, low-sugar preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 ounces cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or ziti work well)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Using a nonstick cast iron skillet, sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown it.

Step 4: Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart using a silicone spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 5: Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to let flavors develop.

Step 6: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Use a Zulay Kitchen mixing bowl for easy handling.

Step 7: Add cooked pasta to the meat sauce and stir until evenly coated.

Step 8: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly on top.

Step 9: Layer the remaining pasta mixture over the ricotta, then top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 10: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Twists to Try on Your Company Casserole 

• Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shredding mozzarella yourself results in a creamier, more cohesive top layer.
• Season in layers. Lightly seasoning the beef, the sauce, and the ricotta mixture separately builds depth and balance throughout the casserole rather than concentrating flavor in one area.
• Add vegetables thoughtfully. Finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini blend seamlessly into the beef mixture and add moisture and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
• Let it rest before slicing. Allowing the casserole to rest helps the layers set, giving you cleaner slices and better texture when serving.
• Choose pasta with ridges. Pasta shapes like rotini or penne hold sauce more effectively, ensuring every bite is evenly coated.
• Make it ahead-friendly. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for easy hosting.

Health Benefits or Comparison of Company Casserole

Compared to traditional creamy casseroles that rely heavily on butter and heavy cream, company casserole with beef, marinara, and cheese offers a more balanced nutritional profile. Marinara sauce provides lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health, while ground beef supplies protein, iron, and vitamin B12, essential for energy and muscle function.

By using ricotta instead of cream-based sauces, this casserole achieves richness with less saturated fat. Portion control is also easier since the dish is filling without being overly dense. When compared to similar baked ziti or lasagna recipes, this casserole is often quicker to assemble and lighter while still delivering the comfort food satisfaction people expect.

Make Your Own Company Casserole Today

There’s a reason this recipe has stayed popular across generations. It’s reliable, adaptable, and perfect for feeding a group without overthinking the process. If you’re cooking for guests, preparing a family dinner, or stocking the fridge with leftovers that reheat beautifully, this casserole checks every box. Once you make it, it quickly becomes one of those recipes you return to again and again, confident it will deliver comfort and flavor every time.

Other Kitchen Tools You Need for This Recipe

To make prep and cleanup even easier, consider adding these tools from Zulay Kitchen to your routine:

• High-quality rotary cheese grater for fresh shredding
• Measuring cups and spoons for precise seasoning
• Food storage containers for leftovers

Shop these reliable kitchen essentials at Zulay Kitchen and enjoy tools designed to make home cooking faster, easier, and more enjoyable.

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