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.
This dish reminds me of chilly evenings when I wanted something cozy but quick. Making it for the first time and seeing everyone go back for seconds was pure joy—it's always a hit at my 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 & Baking Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil penne pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion 3–4 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Brown Beef:
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in tomato paste, cook 1 minute. Add tomato passata, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce:
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and beef mixture. Stir well to coat.
- Layer & Add Cheese:
- Pour half the pasta mixture into baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add remaining pasta, then top with rest of cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Rest & Serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save This recipe is usually at the center of our Sunday dinners, where we gather and laugh together over overflowing plates. Even picky eaters seem to love every cheesy bite!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread for a complete meal that's sure to please.
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter twist. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies and color.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides about 520 calories, 22 g fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein, making it a balanced option for busy families.
Save This Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake promises comfort and deliciousness in every serving. Share it with loved ones and make any night a little more special.
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I use another pasta instead of penne?
Yes, short pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti work well as they hold the sauce effectively.
- → How do I ensure the pasta doesn’t overcook during baking?
Boil the pasta for a couple of minutes less than package instructions so it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
- → Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?
Absolutely, these leaner meats can be used and will still pair nicely with the tomato sauce and cheese.
- → What herbs complement the tomato sauce best?
Traditional Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme add balanced, aromatic notes to the sauce.
- → How can I make the cheese topping extra golden and bubbly?
Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake uncovered so the heat crisps and browns the cheese layer evenly.
- → Are there ways to add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach can be stirred into the sauce before layering for extra flavor and nutrition.