Simple Baked Beef and Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 package penne pasta
• Water, as needed
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or chili powder)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain it.
2. Meanwhile, cook the ground beef in canola oil in a skillet until cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Reduce the heat on the stove and mix in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper or chili powder, cream cheese, and half the shredded cheddar with the cooked beef.
5. Combine the pasta with the beef mixture.
6. Pour this mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar on top.
8. Bake for 15 minutes.
9. Serve hot.

Enjoy!