Cheesy Pasta Casserole with Ground Meat and Cilantro

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Cheesy Pasta Casserole with Ground Meat and Cilantro is the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight. This dish combines tender rotini pasta, savory ground meat, and a gooey layer of melted cheese, all topped off with a fresh cilantro garnish. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to please the whole family. Get ready for a flavor-packed casserole that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Pasta Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s a one-dish wonder that you can prepare ahead of time, and it’s packed with flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies and protein!

• Comforting and hearty: The combination of pasta, meat, and cheese is a classic that never disappoints.
• Quick and easy: Perfect for busy nights, this dish comes together in under an hour.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand.
• Meal prep friendly: Make it ahead of time and simply reheat for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces rotini pasta
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to Make Cheesy Pasta Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro. Mix until everything is well combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with extra cilantro. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• For added flavor, consider sautéing some bell peppers or jalapeños with the onions.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste.
• Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes well to avoid a watery casserole.

Easy Variations

• Substitute ground meat with cooked sausage or shredded chicken for a different protein.
• Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrition.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

What to Serve With It

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
• A side of salsa or guacamole for a Southwestern twist.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Recipe Card