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 remember cooking this Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake on a chilly evening when our whole family gathered around the table, and it quickly became our go-to comfort food for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) penne pasta
- Meats: 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Vegetables: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce: 700 ml (24 oz) tomato passata or marinara sauce
- Sauce: 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Sauce: 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Sauce: ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sauce: Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Dairy: 200 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Dairy: 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Oils: 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the 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 (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Meanwhile, 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 Meat:
- 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 for 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce and beef mixture.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Pour half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan. Add remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save Whenever we make this casserole, everyone asks for seconds, and the leftovers are always claimed for lunch the next day by someone in the family!
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake with a crisp green salad and slices of crusty bread to round out the meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 520 calories, 22 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Save This bake is perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later. With its melty cheese and savory sauce, it's sure to become a beloved favorite at your table.
Recipe Questions
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne pasta is ideal as it holds sauce and cheese well; rigatoni or ziti can also be used for similar results.
- → Can ground turkey or chicken be substituted?
Yes, both ground turkey and chicken work well for a lighter variation, maintaining a hearty texture.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini in the beef sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → How do I get a golden cheese topping?
Bake uncovered until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. Sprinkle Parmesan for extra browning.
- → Does this bake freeze well?
Yes, assemble and cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
- → What sides pair well?
Serve with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread to balance the rich flavors of the bake.