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Close-up of a delicious ground beef and pasta casserole on a rustic slate plate.

Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole

A hearty and cheesy baked pasta dish combining ground beef, penne, and marinara sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 850
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 ½ lb penne pasta
Cheese
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Meat
  • 1 ½ lb lean ground beef
Other ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • To taste salt & pepper
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • For garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

  1. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté diced onion in olive oil until softened, add garlic, then cook beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add marinara sauce, basil, salt, and pepper to beef; simmer briefly. Mix in cooked pasta.
  4. Layer half of the mixture in a greased baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, then add remaining mixture and cheese. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
  5. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a crunchier topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.