Pin this 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.
The first time I made this cheesy beef & penne bake, my kitchen quickly filled with the smell of bubbling cheese and savory tomato sauce. It's always a favorite when we have relatives over for a relaxing weekend meal.
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 Baking 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.
- Saute Onion & Garlic:
- 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 Beef:
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Prepare 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:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat all the pasta with sauce and beef.
- Layer & Add Cheese:
- Pour half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Rest & Serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pin this My kids always ask for seconds when I bring this cheesy casserole to the table, and it's fun to watch everyone gather around for a warm, filling dinner together.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, baking dish (approx. 23x33 cm / 9x13 in), wooden spoon, chef's knife, cutting board, colander
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (dairy). Check all packaged ingredients for traces of nuts or other allergens if required.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 520, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 29 g
Pin this This cheesy beef & penne bake is easy to make and guaranteed to become a comfort food favorite. Enjoy leftovers the next day for a quick lunch.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne is recommended for its shape and texture, but rigatoni or ziti work well as alternatives.
- → How can I make the cheese topping extra golden?
Baking uncovered allows the cheese to brown nicely; broil for 1-2 minutes if needed, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers and refrigerate before baking; bake just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What can I add for extra vegetables?
Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can be mixed in with the beef for added flavor and nutrition.
- → Can I swap ground beef for another meat?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter options without sacrificing taste.