Baked Penne Pasta Casserole

jusme's Note:

This recipe is so yummy with A LOT of shredded cheese on top. I'm the "add a dash of this or that" kind of cook, so the measurements on the spices are VERY approximate. You can also add more or less mushrooms to your liking. This is my favorite dish at the moment to make and eat!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 6 ounces dry penne rigate
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 -2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 -3 minced garlic cloves
• 1/3 lb ground beef
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 pinch dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 dash black pepper
• 24 ounces garden style spaghetti sauce
• 2 -3 cups mozzarella cheese or 2 -3 cups cheddar cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Cook penne according to package directions until almost cooked. Preheat oven to 350*.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil, then add onion, garlic and mushrooms; stir fry until onion is translucent. Remove to a plate.
3. Crumble beef in skillet; add basil, thyme, parsley, black pepper and oregano. Cook through; drain.
4. Add onion mixture and spaghetti sauce to beef; cook on low, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minute Stir in penne.
5. Put mixture in a shallow dish (13x9x2)and cover with shredded cheese. Bake for 30-45 minute Let stand 5 minute before serving.

Reviews

[ChefDLH]

Thanks for posting jusme. This was very good. Good comfort food and you can't go wrong with baked penne. Added a bit more meat as that is a favorite in my house but otherwise made it exactly. TIP: Be careful to cover the dish with foil when cooking so that the cheese doesn't get hard or tough on top. Enjoy! ChefDLH

[Chef #1376400]

Easy, foolproof recipe. I've made it with many variations (precooked sausage instead of beef, adding some veggies, extra garlic, changing the seasoning proportion etc.), and it come out yummy each time.

[Annacia]

Scrumptious. I used veggie crumbles for the beef and just followed the recipe for a very tasty meal. Easier than pie too! :D. Made for PAC, spring 2011.