Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, absolutely. Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based alternative can work well. Mama Lou often used what she had on hand—and taught me to do the same. The key is seasoning it well and letting the sauce build its depth.

How can I store leftovers?

Cool the casserole completely before storing. Wrap tightly or use airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Labeling with the date (and a little heart) was one of Mama Lou’s habits I’ve kept alive in my own kitchen.

Can I make this pasta casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. It’s a real time-saver for busy nights or special gatherings.

Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?

For a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or layer in slices of spicy pepperoni or jalapeños. Ouma loves it fiery—she’ll always sneak some hot sauce into her portion when she thinks I’m not looking!

Pasta Casseroles That Warm the Heart – 5-Star Family Favorite

Ingredients

Scale

16 ounces dry fusilli (spiral) pasta
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
2 green bell peppers, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
48 ounces canned tomato sauce
4 ounces pepperoni sausage, sliced
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
Cook the Pasta
Boil the fusilli in salted water until just shy of al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Sauté the Veggies
Add the chopped onion and green bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 6–8 minutes.
Add the Tomato Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Combine with Pasta
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef-vegetable sauce, and half of the cheese. Mix gently.
Layer the Casserole
Pour half the mixture into the baking dish. Top with half the pepperoni slices. Repeat layers, then top with remaining cheese.
Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, sausage, or a plant-based meat.
Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when needed.
Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Freezes well in portions for up to 2 months—ideal for meal prep.
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

Author: sofia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg