Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this hearty casserole combines tender penne pasta with flavorful ground beef and a creamy cheese sauce, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and bursting with delicious flavors, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

• 1 package penne pasta
• Water, as needed
• 2 pounds ground beef
• ½ tablespoon canola oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or chili powder)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) in preparation for baking the casserole.
4. Season Beef Mixture: Reduce the heat on the stove and add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (or chili powder), cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar to the cooked ground beef. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.
5. Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the beef mixture.
6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the casserole for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• Customize Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to adjust the flavor profile of the casserole.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value of the casserole by adding diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the ground beef until they are tender before combining them with the pasta.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed. This is a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining guests.