### Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef

This Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty dish that combines al dente penne pasta with a rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and a blend of melted cheeses. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this recipe is both delicious and versatile!

#### Ingredients:
– **1 pound penne pasta**
– **1 pound ground beef**
– **1 medium onion, diced**
– **2 cloves garlic, minced**
– **1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce**
– **1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained**
– **1 tablespoon Italian seasoning**
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**
– **1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese**
– **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese**
– **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)**

#### Instructions:

1. **Preparing the Pasta:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside, optionally drizzling with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. **Cooking the Ground Beef:**
– In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
– Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. **Building the Sauce:**
– Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with juices) into the cooked beef. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning if needed.

4. **Combining Pasta and Sauce:**
– Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce, stirring gently to coat. Reduce heat to low and mix in mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.

5. **Baking the Cheesy Penne:**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

6. **Serving the Dish:**
– Let the baked penne sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot, ideally with a side salad or garlic bread.

#### Notes:
– Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
– This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

#### Prep Time:
15 minutes

#### Cook Time:
40 minutes

#### Total Time:
55 minutes

#### Yield:
6-8 servings

Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef!