Name: Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Casserole:; 1 pound uncooked penne; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; ½ medium onion (chopped); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 ½ cups marinara sauce; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

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This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that comes together quickly and easily. With layers of penne pasta, seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or family gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole combines all the best parts of pasta and beef into one dish. The creamy marinara sauce, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheddar cheese create a satisfying flavor profile that’s loved by all. Plus, it’s super easy to make with minimal prep time, making it a perfect choice when you need a comforting meal in a hurry. The entire dish is baked to perfection and ready to serve in just 35 minutes! Simple Ground Beef Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound uncooked penne
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
½ medium onion (chopped)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 ½ cups marinara sauce
Salt & pepper to taste
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and move the rack to the middle position. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook Pasta:

Boil a large pot of salted water for the penne. Cook for about 10 minutes, slightly underdone so the pasta doesn’t get mushy.

Cook Ground Beef:

In a skillet, add olive oil, ground beef, and chopped onion. Sauté over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up as you cook for about 10 minutes.
Stir in the garlic once the meat starts browning. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and warm through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Assemble Casserole:

Drain the cooked penne and pour it into the prepared baking dish.
Pour the beef mixture over the pasta and toss until combined. Top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese. For extra cheesiness, feel free to stir in an additional half cup of cheese before topping it.

Bake:

Bake for 10 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is melted. Optionally, broil for an extra few minutes to brown the cheese slightly.

Serve:

Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting casserole!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Notes

Leftovers:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

Make Ahead:

You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it (before baking). When ready to cook, just bake it as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.

Tips:

To make it extra cheesy, add more shredded cheddar to the beef mixture before baking.
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.

Variations

Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the marinara sauce for a spicy version of this casserole.
Italian Touch: Top the casserole with grated parmesan cheese or fresh basil for an extra layer of Italian flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli if you prefer.

Can I add more cheese to the casserole?

Absolutely! You can add extra cheese both in the beef mixture and on top before baking for a cheesier casserole.

Can I use jarred spaghetti sauce instead of marinara sauce?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta sauce you like, but marinara gives the casserole a nice balance of flavor.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, simply increase the cooking time to 30-35 minutes, or until it’s fully heated through.

Conclusion

This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings comfort to any meal. With layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s quick and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for a potluck, this casserole will satisfy everyone’s taste buds and leave them asking for seconds!