Simple Penne Casserole

This is a recipe I made up myself, using ingredients I had on hand. It was very easy and the family liked it. :)



Simple Penne Casserole

Ingredients:
1 lb. hamburger
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp minced garlic
1 lb package penne pasta (I used Barilla whole grain, 13.5 oz package)
1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce
3 C shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
1. Brown the hamburger with half of the Italian seasoning and all of the minced garlic mixed in.
2. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain.
3. Mix hamburger mixture with pasta. Add pasta sauce, the rest of the Italian seasoning, and then mozzarella cheese.
4. Top with more mozzarella cheese if desired.
5. Cook in preheated 375° oven for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is hot. Serve with garlic bread and salad. Enjoy!

Homemade Beef Casserole

I'm pretty sure I got this one from my BFF Kat. It's super easy to make, and it's a real kid pleaser.

Homemade Beef Casserole

Ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked
1.5 pounds ground beef
8 ounces or more of shredded cheddar cheese (I use closer to 3 cups)
2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
1-1/8 zesty Italian spices (or use a mixture of oregano and basil if you don't have this)

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, place macaroni, beef, all but 1 C of cheese, 1-1/2 cans tomato sauce, and one teaspoon Italian spices and mix well.

2. Pour into 13x9 baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 can tomato sauce and then the rest of the cheese. Sprinkle with remaining spices. Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 30-45 minutes.