Step 1

Heat the oven to 400˚F.

Step 2

Cook the pasta per the instructions on the box in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente; drain.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and some salt and pepper, and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until the beef is cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the pasta sauce and simmer, reducing the heat as needed, for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Step 5

Add the cooked pasta along with one-quarter (about 1/2 cup) of the cheese to the sauce and stir to combine. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake in the oven until the cheese has melted and the sauce is gently bubbling, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.