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GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Yesica Andrews

Ground Beef Casserole Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

This ground beef casserole is a perfect easy dinner for weeknight meals, combining simple ingredients into a comforting and cheesy beef bake that's ideal for family dinner time. It's a simple casserole that everyone will love and comes together quickly.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the center. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil for the penne. Cook the pasta for about 10 minutes so it is just shy of fully cooked to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook while breaking up the meat for around 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic once the beef begins to brown, and drain off excess fat if necessary.
  4. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it warm through. Season with salt and pepper after tasting.
  5. Drain the pasta and transfer it into the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over the pasta and stir to combine everything well. Sprinkle a layer of cheddar cheese evenly on top. For an extra cheesy dish, mix in half a cup of cheese before topping with the rest.
  6. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 10 minutes uncovered until the cheese melts beautifully. Optionally, broil the casserole for a few minutes to achieve a golden brown cheese crust. Serve hot.

Notes

  • This recipe is highly adaptable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap marinara for a different sauce. You can also find it featured in chapter 6 of the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials cookbook.