1-First, set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the middle for even baking. Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, and boil salted water to cook 1 pound of penne pasta for 10 minutes remember to keep it slightly undercooked so it doesn’t get mushy later.

2-Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and 1/2 medium chopped onion, cooking for about 10 minutes while breaking up the meat. Toss in 1 clove of minced garlic midway through for extra flavor, then drain any excess fat if needed.

3-Stir in 1.5 cups of marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste, blending everything well. Drain the pasta and spread it evenly in your prepared baking dish, then pour the beef mixture over it and toss to combine. Top with 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese melts. For a golden finish, broil it briefly.