1-First Step: Preheat and Prepare Ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray. Cook 8 ounces of elbow pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside for later use.

2-Second Step: Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced white onion and sauté until tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 ½ pounds of ground beef and cook until browned through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat to keep the dish lighter.

3-Third Step: Build the Sauce. Stir crushed tomatoes (28 ounces can), beef broth (2 cups), Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon), ground mustard, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano into the skillet. Add 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to marry flavors.

4-Fourth Step: Thicken the Sauce. In a small bowl, create a slurry by mixing 1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

5-Fifth Step: Combine Pasta and Sauce. Fold the cooked pasta evenly into the beef and tomato sauce mixture, ensuring an even coating. This ensures every bite is rich and flavorful.

6-Sixth Step: Assemble and Top Casserole. Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. This topping will melt and form a delicious golden crust in the oven.

7-Seventh Step: Bake the Casserole. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges bubble and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Monitor the top during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

8-Final Step: Rest and Serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.