Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pack of penne pasta
• Sufficient water for boiling
• 2 pounds of high-quality ground beef
• A drizzle of canola oil
• 2 teaspoons of aromatic garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of fine onion powder
• 4 ounces of smooth cream cheese
• 1 cup of matured cheddar, finely shredded
• A dash of cayenne pepper (or alternatively chili powder)
• 1 teaspoon of pure salt
• A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Start by preparing the penne pasta. Follow the specific instructions on the package, and once perfectly al dente, drain and set aside.

While the pasta is coming to life, take your skillet and add a touch of canola oil. Into this sizzling pan, introduce the ground beef and allow it to cook thoroughly.

If any excess fat surfaces, drain it off to maintain a balance of flavor and health.

As the meat cooks, heat your oven to a cozy 400 degrees Fahrenheit in preparation for the baking.

Lower the flame beneath your skillet and begin seasoning the cooked beef. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (or chili powder), and stir well. Next, introduce the cream cheese and half of the shredded cheddar, combining it all until it forms a unified, flavorsome mixture.

Now, reunite the pasta with the beef, stirring until each penne piece is coated in this luscious mixture.

Carefully transfer this beef-pasta amalgamation into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

Over the surface, scatter the remaining cheddar, giving it a charming, cheese-topped appearance.

Place the dish in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for approximately 15 minutes.

Once baked, remove, serve piping hot, and relish each bite!