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Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Ground Beef Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish that warms the heart. Packed with ground beef, savory marinara, and bubbly cheese, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner. Easy to make and deliciously satisfying, you’ll want to make it tonight!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Oven
  • Large Pot
  • Baking Sheet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial in achieving that perfectly baked cheese on top of your casserole.
  2. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures that your casserole won’t stick, allowing for easy serving.
  3. In a large pot, boil one pound of penne noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. You want them firm to the bite, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
  4. Once cooked, drain the noodles and pour them into the prepared baking dish. Spread them evenly to form a solid base for the casserole.
  5. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add one pound of ground beef along with ⅔ cup diced onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  6. If there’s an excess of grease, carefully remove the cooked beef and place it in a paper towel-lined bowl to absorb the excess.
  7. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This will enhance the aroma and flavor.
  8. Add the marinara, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper to the skillet. Let this simmer for a few minutes until heated through, and adjust seasoning to your preference.
  9. If you removed any grease from the skillet, add the ground beef back in at this stage.
  10. Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the cooked penne noodles in the baking dish and stir well to combine.
  11. Evenly cover the top with 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This will be the delicious, cheesy topping that everyone loves!
  12. Bake in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you want an extra crispy top, broil it for the last minute.
  13. Serve the casserole warm, topping it with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in every bite!

Notes

For extra flavor add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
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.