A comforting and flavorful pasta bake with ground beef, tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and a perfect bake.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
Don't overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef for even cooking.
Stir in the garlic powder, salt, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar into the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture and transfer to a baking dish.
Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with sauce.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Covering with foil prevents the top from drying out.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a golden crust, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Resting allows the dish to set, making it easier to serve.