SIMPLE GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE

 

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked penne noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Cook the penne noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta bake.
7. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Optional: For a crispier cheese topping, broil the pasta bake for 1-2 minutes before serving.