Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked penne
- 1/2 medium onion
chopped
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
minced
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- to tasteSalt & pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position. Grease a 9x13 baking dish (I use Pam spray).
- 2
Boil a large, salted pot of water for the penne. Cook it for 10 minutes (it should be slightly underdone so it doesn't get mushy).
- 3
Add the oil, beef, and onion to a skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up as you go along, for 10 minutes. Once it gets going, stir in the garlic. Spoon out excess fat if needed.
- 4
Stir in the marinara sauce and warm through. Give it a taste and season with salt & pepper as needed.
- 5
Drain the pasta and pour it into the baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over top and then toss until it's combined with the pasta. Top with an even layer of the cheese. If you want it extra cheesy, you can stir in an additional half cup of cheese prior to topping it with the rest of the cheese.
- 6
Bake for 10 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is nicely melted. I then broil it for a few minutes (optional) to brown the cheese up a bit. Serve immediately.
Ground Beef Casserole
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About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly on a busy weeknight? This Ground Beef Casserole delivers on all fronts, providing a satisfying dinner solution that’s perfect for the whole family.
This recipe works its magic by bringing together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a deeply flavorful dish. The combination of savory ground beef, robust marinara, and tender penne pasta, all blanketed in melty cheddar cheese, creates a truly irresistible casserole experience. It’s the ultimate comfort food, designed for maximum taste with minimal fuss.
Prepare for a wonderfully warm and inviting dish where every forkful offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. You'll savor the toothsome, al dente penne perfectly coated in a rich, seasoned marinara sauce, complemented by the savory notes of extra lean ground beef and the aromatic additions of onion and garlic. The generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese melts into a gooey, golden crust, adding a creamy, savory dimension that ties all the flavors together beautifully. This casserole is designed to be a straightforward, comforting meal that feeds six people generously.
Looking to customize your casserole? Feel free to swap penne for another short pasta like ziti or rotini, or even elbow macaroni. For a little extra depth, consider stirring in a pinch of dried Italian herbs with the marinara sauce. You can also easily incorporate more vegetables by sautéing diced bell peppers or mushrooms alongside the onion.
This hearty ground beef casserole is ideal for a comforting family dinner, a potluck, or a make-ahead meal for busy days. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some warm crusty bread to complete your satisfying feast.