Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions, but stop one minute early to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add ground beef, chopped onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking apart the beef as it browns, until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is soft.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir the cottage cheese into the beef mixture until evenly combined. Pour in the pasta sauce and mix thoroughly to coat everything. Fold in the cooked, drained pasta and stir until well incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the entire surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges. If you like a deeper golden crust, broil for 2 minutes at the end but watch carefully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top. Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving.