This recipe is designed to be straightforward and stress-free, so even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll be serving up a masterpiece in no time. Let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat and tomato mixture. Pour everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.

Each step is crafted to ensure you enjoy the process as much as the result. Cooking, after all, should be a joyful experience.