Kittencal's Layered Ground Beef-Penne Casserole

Preparation

1. 1
   Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 175°C and grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.

2. 2
   Step 2

   Boil 450 g penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain well.

3. 3
   Step 3

   Place the hot pasta in a large bowl and stir in 55 g butter until melted.

4. 4
   Step 4

   Mix 250 g cream cheese into the pasta until well combined. Set aside.

5. 5
   Step 5

   In a skillet, brown 680 g ground beef with 2 EL garlic and 1 TL red pepper flakes.

6. 6
   Step 6

   Drain the excess fat from the skillet.

7. 7
   Step 7

   Stir in 740 g pasta sauce and 280 g mushrooms. Bring to a simmer.

8. 8
   Step 8

   Cook on low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.

   Timer · 25 min
9. 9
   Step 9

   If the sauce is too thick, stir in 80 ml water and simmer for 10 more minutes.

   Timer · 10 min
10. 10
    Step 10

    Spread half the meat sauce into the prepared baking dish.

11. 11
    Step 11

    Layer all the pasta mixture over the sauce.

12. 12
    Step 12

    Sprinkle 35 g parmesan and 100 g mozzarella over the pasta layer.

13. 13
    Step 13

    Dollop the remaining meat sauce on top and spread evenly.

14. 14
    Step 14

    Top with the remaining 30 g parmesan and 100 g mozzarella.

15. 15
    Step 15

    Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until bubbly and heated through.

    Timer · 40 min