Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.

Step 2

Cook the noodles for a minute or two less than the package directions indicate, then drain them and transfer them to a 9x13 casserole dish.

Step 3

Meanwhile, add the olive oil, onion, and ground beef to a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up as you go along, until it's cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).

Step 4

Stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 5

If there's a lot of excess fat in the skillet, spoon most of it out, then add in the marinara sauce and let it warm through.

Step 6

Pour the beef mixture into the casserole dish and add half the cheese and toss together (I also like to add some salt & pepper at this point), then smooth it out in an even layer.

Step 7

Top the casserole with the remaining cheese and bake, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and it's nice and hot. Optional: broil for a few minutes (watch it carefully) to brown the cheese.