Save to Pinterest 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.
This Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake was a crowd-pleaser at our last family get-together. Everyone loved going back for seconds, and I appreciated how simple it was to prepare with just staple kitchen tools and basic ingredients.
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 (oregano, basil, thyme), ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), salt & 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.
- Boil Pasta:
- Cook penne pasta in a pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Saute Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion, cook 3 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Brown Beef:
- Add ground beef, breaking it up. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in tomato paste, cook 1 minute. Add tomato passata, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta to skillet and stir to combine with sauce and beef.
- Layer:
- Pour half mixture into baking dish, sprinkle half mozzarella and Parmesan. Top with rest of pasta, then remaining cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Kids always ask for this cheesy bake on cold nights. It brings everyone around the table and makes weeknight dinners feel special.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, baking dish (23x33 cm), wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board, colander.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 520 calories, 22 g fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Recipe Notes
Add fresh basil or parsley before serving for extra flavor, or toss in some cooked mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for a veggie boost.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this comforting casserole straight out of the oven. Leftovers taste great reheated for busy weeknights!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti work well and hold the sauce nicely.
- → How do I prevent the bake from drying out?
Ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked before baking and keep enough sauce to maintain moisture during cooking.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → What cheeses are best for the topping?
Mozzarella provides meltiness while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty finish for a golden crust.
- → Is this dish suitable for batch cooking?
Absolutely, it reheats well and can be prepared ahead for convenient meals.