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The Recipe Simple Ground Beef Casserole That You Will Follow

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This easy ground beef casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish made with pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale
  1. 1 lb uncooked penne
  2. 1 tbsp olive oil
  3. 1 lb lean ground beef
  4. 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  5. 1 clove garlic, minced
  6. 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  7. Salt & pepper, to taste
  8. 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

  • Cook the Pasta
    Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne for 10 minutes until slightly underdone.
    Drain and set aside.

  • Prepare the Beef Mixture
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
    Add ground beef and chopped onion and cook for 10 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
    Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
    Drain excess fat if necessary.
    Stir in marinara sauce, season with salt & pepper, and heat through.

  • Assemble the Casserole
    Pour cooked pasta into the baking dish.
    Top with beef mixture and toss to combine.
    Sprinkle an even layer of cheese over the top.
    (Optional: Stir in an extra 1/2 cup of cheese for extra cheesiness.)

  • Bake
    Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
    (Optional: Broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese.)

 

  • Serve & Enjoy
    Serve immediately and enjoy this cheesy, comforting meal!

Notes

  • For extra cheesiness, stir in more shredded cheese before baking.
  • Feel free to use a different pasta, like rigatoni or ziti, for variety.

 

  • If you prefer a healthier version, you can use lean turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

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