Description
A hearty and comforting Ground Beef Casserole featuring penne pasta, seasoned lean ground beef, and a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and serves a crowd with its flavorful Italian-inspired ingredients.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces penne pasta
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 1 (25-ounce) jar marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, torn plus more for garnishing
Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente following package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water. Transfer the drained pasta to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the lean ground beef and diced onions. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with the back of a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and the onions are softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and add the torn fresh basil. Mix well and transfer the sauce evenly on top of the pasta in the baking dish. Toss gently to combine everything. Add reserved pasta water little by little until the sauce has a glossy, well-coated appearance.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency after combining with pasta.
- You can use homemade marinara or your favorite store-bought variety according to taste.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content but you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente so it holds texture after baking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking cold.
