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 penne bake for a weekend dinner with friends (it instantly became a favorite for its cozy flavors and melty cheese).
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
- Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Brown Beef:
- Add ground beef breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 6 8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauce:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomato passata Italian herbs red pepper flakes (if using) salt and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta to skillet. Stir to coat pasta in sauce and beef mixture.
- Layer:
- Pour half the pasta mixture in prepared dish. Sprinkle with half mozzarella and half Parmesan. Add remaining pasta and top with rest of cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered 20 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save My kids always ask for extra cheese on their slices (this dish brings everyone together for seconds at the table).
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad and crusty bread (for a full meal try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach).
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover penne bake keeps well in the fridge up to 3 days and reheats easily (you can also freeze portions for future meals).
Nutrition Info
Each serving contains about 520 calories 22 g fat 52 g carbohydrates and 29 g protein (nutritional values are approximate).
Save This cheesy beef and penne bake is always a crowd pleaser (easy enough for weeknights and special enough for sharing).
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives to beef without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for freezing?
This pasta bake freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Reheat until hot throughout.
- → Which cheeses are best for topping?
Mozzarella and Parmesan offer a perfect balance of meltiness and sharp flavor, but cheddar or provolone can be substituted.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be stirred into the beef mixture before layering with the pasta.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook pasta for two minutes less than package instructions to avoid overcooking while baking in the oven.