Dad's Famous Beef Bake

Step 1 -Adjust an oven rack to the middle position then preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2 -Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3 -In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the penne to al dente, according to the package directions.

Step 4 -Drain the water and add the cooked penne to the prepared baking dish.

Step 5 -In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil, the beef, and the onions and cook, while crumbling the meat, until the beef is no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain the excess grease.

Step 6 -Add the garlic to the beef mixture and cook until it is fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 7 -Add the marinara sauce to the beef mixture and cook until it is warmed through.

Step 8 -Taste the meat sauce and season with the salt and the pepper, as needed. Stir to combine.

Step 9 -Evenly pour the meat sauce over the cooked penne and toss to combine.

Step 10 -Evenly sprinkle the penne mixture with the cheese.

Step 11 -Bake the penne mixture until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.

Step 12 -Switch the oven to the broil setting and heat the penne bake until the cheese has browned, about 1-3 minutes.

Step 13 -Serve.