Description
A hearty and savory casserole combining beef, pasta, and cheese for the perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound uncooked penne
- 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
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and move the rack to the middle position.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for the penne. Cook the pasta for 10 minutes, slightly underdone.
- In a skillet, add olive oil, ground beef, and chopped onion. Sauté over medium-high heat for 10 minutes until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- If there’s excess fat, spoon it out, then add marinara sauce and warm for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the penne and place it in the greased baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over the pasta and toss until combined.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, adding extra cheese if desired.
- Bake for 10 minutes, uncovered, until cheese is melted and bubbling. Optional: broil for a couple of minutes for a crispy top.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in bell peppers or using a homemade sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg