Simple Ground Beef Casserole
A classic comfort dish featuring layers of creamy pasta, savory beef-and-marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Toppings
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Introduce the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture in a large bowl, ensuring an even coating.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add Italian herbs like oregano or basil. Consider mixing in chopped vegetables for added nutrition.