Spicy Mexican Beef and Penne Bake

🕒 Total Time: 1 hour | 🍽️ Servings: Depends on your appetite!

Preparation:
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- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×12-inch baking dish lightly.
Cook Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat.
Cook Pasta:
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Cook until al dente, then drain.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked penne pasta, salsa, and black beans. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Layering:
- Spread half of the beef and pasta mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining beef and pasta mixture and shredded cheese.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
Serve:
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

This Mexican Penne recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the richness of ground beef with the zesty kick of salsa and the heartiness of black beans.
Feel free to customize this dish to your liking by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the level of spiciness by choosing a mild or hot salsa.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual potluck gathering, this easy-to-make dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike with its comforting and satisfying flavors.