Description
Hearty Simple Ground Beef Casserole delivers comforting midwestern charm with layers of savory beef, creamy sauce, and tender noodles. Weeknight dinner champions will love this quick, satisfying meal that brings family together around one delicious, steaming dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
- 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked penne pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Sauces, Cheese, and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C) and coating a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray for optimal non-stick performance.
- Create the pasta foundation by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook penne for approximately 8-9 minutes until just shy of complete tenderness. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Transform the ground beef into a flavorful base by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef and diced onions, systematically breaking down the meat while cooking for 10 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Eliminate excess fat if accumulating.
- Enhance the beef mixture with marinara sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper, and allow the flavors to meld together briefly.
- Construct the casserole layers by transferring the cooked pasta into the prepared baking dish. Cascade the beef mixture over the pasta, gently tossing to ensure uniform distribution.
- Crown the casserole with a generous blanket of shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage across the surface.
- Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese achieves a fully melted, glossy appearance.
- Optional: For a golden, crispy cheese topping, activate the broiler and monitor closely for 2-3 minutes until achieving a delicate bronze finish.
- Remove from oven, allow brief cooling, and serve immediately to capture maximum flavor and optimal cheese stretch.
Notes
- Cook penne slightly al dente to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfect texture in the final dish.
- Choose ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole version.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan to customize flavor profiles and add complexity.
- Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for enhanced taste and convenience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 519 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg