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Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole

This Ground Beef Casserole recipe is delightfully simple to prepare and perfect for feeding a family. It's a comforting dish that combines everyday ingredients into a heartwarming meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound uncooked penne
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook penne for 10 minutes, aiming for slightly underdone pasta.
  • In a skillet, heat oil and add ground beef and onion. Sauté over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, breaking up the beef. Stir in garlic and remove excess fat if necessary.
  • Mix marinara sauce into the beef and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Drain penne and place in the baking dish. Add the beef mixture on top and mix with the pasta. Sprinkle with cheese evenly.
  • For extra cheesiness, optionally mix in an additional half cup of cheese with the pasta before adding the final cheese layer.
  • Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Optionally broil for a few minutes for a golden cheese top.
  • Serve the casserole hot.