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This Penne Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Imagine layers of penne pasta, savory ground beef, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with a gooey blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. It's simple to make, yet incredibly satisfying. Let's dive into this delicious, cheesy goodness!
The name of the recipe: Penne Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jar about 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 medium diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked penne pasta and the ground beef mixture. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need
Read more: Penne Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make penne ground beef casserole
- Ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein, making the casserole filling and satisfying.
- Penne pasta: Provides a sturdy base that holds up well to baking and sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top layer.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the mozzarella.
- Marinara sauce: Brings rich tomato flavor and moisture, tying all ingredients together.
- Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic, savory notes.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- Dried oregano: Provides a hint of earthy, herbal flavor.
- Dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery note that complements the tomato sauce.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Penne Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Large pot: Needed for boiling the penne pasta to the perfect al dente texture.
- Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Baking dish: Used to combine and bake the pasta and beef mixture, ensuring even cooking.
- Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the sauce and pasta mixture without scratching cookware.
- Colander: Drains the cooked pasta efficiently, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Cheese grater: Grates mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a fresh, melty topping.
Penne Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
A hearty and delicious casserole that's perfect for family dinners.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jar marinara sauce about 24 oz
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked penne pasta and the ground beef mixture. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
You can add some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Read more: Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta and ground beef mixture as directed.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Let it cool completely.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Follow the make-ahead steps.
- Instead of refrigerating, place the wrapped dish in the freezer.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Remove plastic wrap and foil, then bake as directed.
Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ground beef mixture can enhance the savory flavors, giving the casserole a subtle warmth and depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with any short pasta like rigatoni or ziti.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare it up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze it before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
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