Save A hearty comforting casserole featuring tender penne pasta savory ground beef rich tomato sauce and a golden bubbling cheese topping—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
I first made this Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake when I needed a simple yet satisfying meal for a busy evening. It quickly became a staple thanks to its comforting flavors and the way everyone asked for seconds.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) penne pasta
- Meats: 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion finely chopped 2 cloves garlic minced
- Sauce: 700 ml (24 oz) tomato passata or marinara sauce 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano basil thyme) ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and black pepper to taste
- Dairy: 200 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Oils: 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Brown Beef:
- Add ground beef breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomato passata Italian herbs red pepper flakes salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce and beef mixture.
- Layer & Cheese:
- Pour half the pasta mixture in the dish. Sprinkle with half mozzarella and Parmesan. Add remaining pasta and top with rest of the cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save My kids love digging into this cheesy bake together gathered at the table the scent of melted cheese filling our kitchen. It's one of those meals that brings everyone back for seconds and always seems to create happy memories around dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and some warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
Variations
Swap the beef for turkey or chicken or add extra vegetables like mushrooms peppers or spinach for a unique twist.
Nutrition
Each serving has about 520 calories 22 g fat 52 g carbs and 29 g protein making it a balanced hearty dinner.
Save Dig in while it's hot and gooey. This satisfying bake is sure to be a repeat favorite at your table.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives for a lighter version.
- → Should I fully cook the penne before baking?
Cook the penne just under al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven within the sauce.
- → What cheeses are ideal for the topping?
Mozzarella provides meltiness while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor and golden color.
- → Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach can be mixed in for extra texture and nutrients.
- → How to enhance the flavor before serving?
Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright, fresh note to the savory bake.