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!
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!