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 when we needed an easy weeknight dinner that would please everyone. The delicious cheese topping and savory beef made it an instant favorite at our table.
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 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.
- Sauté Veggies:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 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 necessary.
- Make 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 the skillet. Stir to coat all pasta in sauce and beef mixture.
- Layer Bake:
- Pour half pasta mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half mozzarella and half Parmesan. Add remaining pasta then top with rest of cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered 20 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Rest & Serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pin The first time we made this together everyone gathered around in the kitchen and helped layer the cheesy casserole. Sharing a comforting meal like this always brings a warm feeling to our home.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with a green salad and crusty bread for a complete satisfying meal.
Recipe Variations
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef or add sautéed mushrooms peppers or spinach for more vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving contains about 520 calories 22 g fat 52 g carbohydrates and 29 g protein.
Pin This Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake is sure to become a family favorite for any busy night. Make extra leftovers for easy lunches the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives for a lighter version while keeping flavorful results.
- → Should pasta be fully cooked before baking?
No, cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions so it finishes cooking during baking and stays firm.
- → Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be sautéed and added for extra nutrition and flavor.
- → What is the best cheese for topping?
Mozzarella and Parmesan combine for a creamy, golden topping, but you can experiment with other favorite cheeses.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven for best texture.
- → Is this suitable for nut-free diets?
Yes, if all ingredients are checked for allergens, this dish can fit a nut-free diet. Read packaged labels carefully.