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This Penne Pasta Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. Loaded with ground beef, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, it’s a surefire hit. The Italian seasoning and garlic powder add just the right amount of flavor, making every bite irresistible. Simple to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Let's get cooking!
The name of the recipe: Penne Pasta Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked and drained penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need
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What you will need to make penne pasta casserole
- Penne pasta: Provides the base, holding the sauce and cheese together, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.
- Ground beef: Adds protein and a rich, savory flavor, making the casserole more filling and delicious.
- Marinara sauce: Brings a tangy, tomatoey taste that complements the pasta and meat, tying the dish together.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that enhances the casserole's texture and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor, providing depth and complexity to the dish.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the casserole with a blend of herbs, giving it an authentic Italian taste.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle garlic kick, making the dish more aromatic and tasty.
Essential Tools and Instruments
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the penne pasta to the right texture before combining with other ingredients.
- Large skillet: Needed to brown the ground beef evenly, ensuring it’s fully cooked and flavorful.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining pasta, beef, sauce, and seasonings thoroughly before baking.
- Baking dish: Holds the layered pasta mixture and cheese, allowing it to bake evenly in the oven.
- Oven: Bakes the casserole, melting the cheese and blending flavors together for a delicious finish.
Penne Pasta Casserole Recipe
A hearty and delicious penne pasta casserole perfect for family dinners.
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Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Dish
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
Read more: Penne Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta cooked and drained
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook the pasta and ground beef as directed.
- Mix pasta, beef, sauce, and seasonings.
- Assemble the casserole in a baking dish.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Freezing Instructions
- Follow the make-ahead steps.
- Wrap the assembled casserole in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce while it's simmering. It adds depth and richness to the Penne Pasta Casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, it freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute works great.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the meat and add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
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