Kittencal'S Layered Ground Beef-Penne Casserole

Name: Kittencal'S Layered Ground Beef-Penne Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (1 lb) package dry penne pasta; 1/4 cup butter; 1 (250 g) container philadelphia roasted red pepper cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or use bulk Italian sausage meat, spicy or mild); 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to taste); 1 (26 ounce) jar meatless pasta sauce; 1 (10 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained; 1/4 - 1/3 cup water (use only if needed); salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (can use more if desired); 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided (can use more)

Servings: persons

1 (1 lb) package dry penne pasta
1/4 cup butter
1 (250 g) container philadelphia roasted red pepper cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or use bulk Italian sausage meat, spicy or mild)
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to taste)
1 (26 ounce) jar meatless pasta sauce
1 (10 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1/4 - 1/3 cup water (use only if needed)
salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (can use more if desired)
2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided (can use more)

1
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
2
Cook the penne pasta in boiling water until just bendable (do not overcook the pasta until soft as it will cook more in the oven) drain well, then place the hot pasta into a large bowl.
3
Mix in butter until melted, then mix in the softened cream cheese; set aside.
4
In a skillet cook the ground beef with garlic and chili flakes until no longer pink; drain fat then continue to cook until browned.
5
Add in pasta sauce and mushrooms; bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6
Reduce heat to low and cook for about 20-30 minutes stirring occasionally, and season with salt and pepper to taste (if you find that the mixture is too thick add in 1/4 cup water and continue simmering for another 10 minutes).
7
TO ASSEMBLE; spread HALF the meat sauce into baking dish, then top with all the penne pasta mixture, sprinkle 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese over the pasta, then 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top.
8
Dollup remaining meat sauce on top then spread out using a spoon.
9
Sprinkle 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese over the meat sauce, then 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
10
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for about 40 minutes or until completely heated through and bubbly.

1052

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 (1 lb) package dry penne pasta, 1/4 cup butter, 1 (250 g) container philadelphia roasted red pepper cream cheese, softened, 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or use bulk Italian sausage meat, spicy or mild), and more.

Yes, Kittencal'S Layered Ground Beef-Penne Casserole falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!