Ingredients
- 1 box (16 oz) penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened for easier mixing)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or Rotel if you want a spicy kick)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of Italian blend, cheddar, or what you have on hand)
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: cayenne pepper, paprika, or red pepper flakes for heat
- Cooking spray for greasing the casserole dish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente texture (it will cook further in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Drain the excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
- Make the Creamy Meat Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and any optional seasonings (like cayenne or paprika) to the beef. Stir well.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (do not drain) and stir to combine.
- Add the softened cream cheese and stir until fully melted and blended into the sauce.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In the greased casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the dish and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Tips & Adjustments
- Vegetable Additions: Toss in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Protein Variation: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a flavor twist.
- Cheese Choices: Use mozzarella for extra stretchiness or Parmesan for a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve!
This dish is family-friendly, budget-conscious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy! 😋