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High-protein snack
Homemade Ground Beef Casserole
Homemade Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines al dente penne pasta, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a one-dish meal that offers ri…
How to make it
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Preheat your oven to 400°F and
Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil or butter.
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While the oven heats, finely dice
While the oven heats, finely dice the onion, mince the garlic cloves, and shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded. Having everything prepped and ready will let you move quickly once cooking begins. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta, cooking for about 10 minutes until al dente.
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While the pasta cooks, heat the
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the diced onion from Step
Add the diced onion from Step 1 and ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, for about 10 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. I like to get good browning on the beef before adding the garlic-it develops more flavor that way. Stir the minced garlic from Step 1 into the browned beef and onions, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the marinara sauce and
Pour in the marinara sauce and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld together. Drain the cooked pasta from Step 2 and add it to the greased baking dish.
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Pour the beef and sauce mixture
Pour the beef and sauce mixture from Step 3 over the pasta and stir everything together until well combined and evenly distributed. I find using a large spoon or spatula and folding gently helps distribute the sauce without breaking up the pasta. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese from Step 1 evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the baking dish in the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving-this allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t slide off. This casserole provides a good source of protein from the ground beef, which supports muscle growth and repair. The marinara sauce offers a boost of antioxidants, thanks to the tomatoes, while the cheddar cheese provides calcium and protein for bone health. When prepared with lean beef and paired with a side of vegetables, this dish can be part of a balanced meal. However, since it’s cheese-heavy, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
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