Pin 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 for a Friday family dinner and everyone kept asking for seconds. The aroma of melting cheese and savory beef makes it truly comforting after a busy week.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- 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.
- Sauté Veggies:
- 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 the Beef:
- Add ground beef breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomato passata Italian herbs red pepper flakes (if using) salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine & Layer:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce beef mixture. Pour half the mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add remaining pasta. Top with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pin This casserole has become a go-to for weeknights when everyone is hungry and I need something filling. Watching the cheese bubble up in the oven is a treat everyone looks forward to at our table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this bake with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a complete satisfying meal.
Flavor Variations
Add sautéed mushrooms peppers or spinach for more vegetables or substitute ground turkey for beef if you prefer a lighter option.
Nutrition
Each serving has about 520 calories 22 g fat 52 g carbohydrates and 29 g protein making it a balanced dish for feeding a family.
Pin This bake is sure to become a household favorite with its cheesy topping and comforting flavors. It also reheats well for enjoying leftovers the next day.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Cook the penne pasta slightly under al dente by boiling it 2 minutes less than the package instructions since it will finish cooking in the oven.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives that maintain the dish's flavor and texture.
- → What cheeses work best for a golden, bubbling topping?
Mozzarella provides a gooey melt, while Parmesan adds a sharp, golden crust for a flavorful and visually appealing finish.
- → Can I add vegetables to enrich the dish?
Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach can be mixed in with the beef and sauce to increase nutrition and flavor variety.
- → How should I season the sauce for best flavor?
Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme along with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes create a balanced, savory sauce.
- → What is the recommended way to serve this dish?
Allow the bake to rest 5 minutes after baking to set the layers, then serve with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.