Description
This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender penne pasta, savory ground beef sautéed with garlic and onion, all combined with rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection. Easy to prepare and satisfying, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic meat and cheese pasta bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked penne
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: additional 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the rack in the middle. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, slightly undercooked to avoid mushiness after baking. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté for 10 minutes until beef is browned and onions are softened. Stir in minced garlic partway through cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add sauce and season: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture and warm through. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to preference.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture: Transfer the cooked penne to the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the pasta and toss gently to combine everything evenly. Optionally stir in an extra half cup of shredded cheese for those who want it cheesier.
- Top with cheese and bake: Sprinkle 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to bubble. Optionally, broil for a few minutes afterwards to achieve a browned, crispy cheese topping. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta in boiling water; it should be slightly firm since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Draining excess fat from the sautéed beef helps reduce greasiness in the casserole.
- Adjust seasoning after adding marinara sauce to balance flavors perfectly.
- For a more indulgent casserole, stir extra cheese into the beef and pasta mix before topping with additional cheese.
- Broiling to brown the cheese is optional but adds a nice texture and flavor.
- This casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave for leftovers.
