Baked Penne

Directions

1. 1
   To begin, cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. 2
   I like to slightly undercook it by a minute since its going in a casserole.
3. 3
   While the pasta is cooking, chop up the onion and garlic.
4. 4
   Heat up one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of olive oil in a pan.
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   Saute the onion and garlic until the onions become translucent and slightly browned.
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   Add in the ground beef and the basil, Italian seasonings, and salt and pepper to taste.
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   Stir frequently to break up the beef and keep the garlic from burning.
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   If youre trying to make this not-exactly-healthy dish a little healthier, you can drain the fat before adding the seasonings.
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   But Im usually not that healthy.
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    I just keep it all in there, and cook the beef until the pink is gone.
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    When the pasta is finished, drain it and place it in a large casserole.
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    Add a tablespoon of butter to coat and a healthy dose of salt.
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    Buttering the penne in the casserole greases the edges and keeps it from sticking later on.
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    As if we need anymore fat/butter/oil.
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    Ha!
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    Remove the noodles from the casserole dish and set them aside till later.
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    I only use about 2/3rds of the noodles and save the rest for my picky daughter who wont eat anything that touches a tomato.
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    About the cheese.
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    Some people wont be able to bring themselves to attempt sour cream in a pasta dish.
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    If you are one of those, try ricotta instead.
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    But if youre willing, I highly recommend the sour cream.
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    It is less heavy than ricotta, and has a milder tastebut similar texturewhen cooked.
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    Its one of my favorite elements of this dish.
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    Now for the assembly.
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    Begin by placing a layer of noodles in the bottom of the casserole.
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    Then layer on half of the ground beef mixture.
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    After the ground beef, spoon on all of the sour cream and spread it around.
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    Top it with half of your jar of pasta sauce.
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    Next, layer on half of each of the cheeses.
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    Create a second layer like the first, minus the sour cream.
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    Bake in a preheated 350 degrees oven for 45 minutes.
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    Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.