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Ground Beef Casserole with penne pasta, melted cheese, and fresh basil in a baking dish.

Ground Beef Casserole

Amelia MapstoneAmelia Mapstone
Cook up a cozy Ground Beef Casserole recipe that's pure comfort. Featuring penne pasta, rich marinara, and two kinds of cheese for a satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 547 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium marinara sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh basil chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
    Empty white baking dish for ground beef casserole.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for about 8 minutes. It should be slightly underdone. Drain well.
    Penne pasta boiling in a pot for Ground Beef Casserole.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until soft. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic during the final minute.
    Browning ground beef and onions for Ground Beef Casserole.
  • Pour in the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes to blend the flavors. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
    Simmering ground beef and marinara sauce for Ground Beef Casserole in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
  • In the prepared baking dish, mix the drained pasta with the beef and sauce mixture. Spread evenly and top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
    Ground Beef Casserole topped with shredded cheddar cheese in a baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. To brown the cheese, optionally broil the casserole for the last couple of minutes of baking. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
    Ground beef casserole with penne pasta and melted cheddar cheese.
  • Plate your casserole while hot. Garnish with fresh basil. Consider serving with a fresh side salad to complete a balanced meal.
    Ground beef casserole with penne pasta, melted cheese, and fresh basil.

Nutrition

Calories: 547kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 34gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 577mgFiber: 4g
Keyword Ground Beef Casserole
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