Easy Ground Beef Casserole

Penne coated in a tomato and meat sauce then topped with cheddar cheese is what makes ground beef casserole a family favorite for an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner!

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 35

Servings:

Ingredients

1 pound uncooked penne noodles
1 pound lean ground beef
⅔ cup diced onion , about 1/2 onion
3 cloves garlic , minced
24 ounce jar marinara
1 teaspoon Kosher salt , more to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper , more to taste
1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese , more if desired

For serving (optional): Chopped basil, parsley or sliced green onions

Instructions

Prep. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a large pot, boil one pound noodles according to package instructions for al dente. Drain, and then pour into the baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook one pound ground beef and 2/3 cup onions over medium-high heat until no longer pink. If there's a lot of grease, remove the the cooked beef and place in a paper towel-lined bowl to absorb excess grease. Stir in 3 cloves garlic and cook an additional minute.
Add the 24 ounce marinara, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Season to taste. Add some fresh herbs, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if desired to boost flavor. Add the beef back in if you removed.
Pour the sauce over the noodles and stir to combine. Evenly cover the top with 1-2 cups cheddar cheese.
Bake 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. You can broil the last minute if desired. Serve while warm. Top with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Seasonings: For extra flavor add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

Freezer instructions: Freeze in a 9×13-inch metal tin wrapped with foil. When ready to eat, place in the refrigerator to thaw overnight and cook at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes, or until hot. You can also top with extra cheese before baking.

Nutrition