This Simple Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Made with hearty ground beef, marinara sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, this casserole combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Easy Ground Beef Casserole
This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors you love in a classic casserole, with minimal prep and a quick bake in the oven. It’s perfect for weeknights or potlucks!
Recipe Details
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Simple Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
- 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
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the middle. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
- Boil a large pot of salted water, and cook the penne for about 10 minutes. The pasta should be slightly undercooked to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking for about 10 minutes while breaking the meat up as it browns. Stir in the minced garlic as the beef begins to brown.
- Spoon out any excess fat from the skillet, if needed. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it warm through. Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Drain the cooked pasta and place it in the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and marinara mixture over the pasta, tossing everything together until well combined.
- Sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. For extra cheesy goodness, stir in an additional 1/2 cup of cheese before topping with the rest.
- Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. For a crispy, browned cheese topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
This simple ground beef casserole is sure to satisfy, offering a perfect combination of cheesy goodness and hearty flavors. It’s great for leftovers and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients!