Description
Hearty beef casserole delivers comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, blending rich slow-cooked meat with classic vegetable companions. Warm layers of tender beef and savory seasonings promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
- 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Sauce and Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare pasta to a tender yet firm texture, ensuring it’s slightly undercooked, then thoroughly drain in a colander.
- In a large skillet, sear ground beef with chopped onions using medium-high heat, creating a rich caramelized exterior; incorporate minced garlic during the final moments of browning.
- Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture, seasoning generously with herbs and spices to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Transfer the combined beef and sauce mixture into a prepared baking dish, then gently fold in the partially cooked pasta, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a complete surface coverage.
- Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 400°F, baking for precisely 10 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes slightly bubbly.
- For an optional crispy finish, activate the broiler and monitor closely for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to develop a golden-brown crust without burning.
Notes
- Perfectly cook pasta just shy of fully done to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a tender texture.
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more flavorful casserole.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost that elevates the classic marinara sauce.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like mozzarella, provolone, or a blend for different melting and taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 516 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg