Meaty Pasta Casseroles
A hearty, family-friendly Meaty Pasta Casserole made with tender penne, savory beef, rich marinara, and melty cheese—perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 medium chopped onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add mushrooms and cook until softened. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian herbs, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Layer half in the baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Dish out generous servings and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt.
- Let the casserole sit before slicing to keep layers intact.
Find it online: https://dishmio.com/meaty-pasta-casseroles/