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 first made this cheesy beef & penne bake on a chilly weeknight when I wanted something cozy and fuss-free Everyone raved about how the bubbling cheese was irresistible and it quickly became a regular comfort meal in our home
Ingredients
- Penne pasta: 400 g (14 oz)
- Ground beef: 500 g (11 lb)
- Onion: 1 medium finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Tomato passata or marinara sauce: 700 ml (24 oz)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp (or a mix of oregano basil thyme)
- Red pepper flakes (optional): 12 tsp
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 200 g (2 cups)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 50 g (12 cup)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Prep the oven and 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 aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add onion and cook 34 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 68 minutes Drain excess fat if necessary
- Add sauce ingredients:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute Add tomato passata Italian herbs red pepper flakes 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
- Layer 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 2025 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling
- Rest before serving:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving
Save This recipe always reminds me of family dinners where we would all gather around the table passing out generous cheesy helpings with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top
Make It Your Own
Add sautéed mushrooms peppers or spinach to boost the vegetables or swap ground beef for turkey for a lighter version
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy beef & penne bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal
Nutrition & Storage
Each serving is about 520 calories with 22 g total fat and 29 g protein Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully
Save Savor the cheesy golden topping and hearty beef in every bite—this is comfort food at its best It’s sure to become a family favorite
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli work well due to their shape and ability to hold sauce.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture for a spicy kick.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to cook through.
- → What cheeses work best for topping?
Mozzarella and Parmesan provide a perfect melt and flavor balance, but you can also try cheddar or fontina for variation.
- → Can I add vegetables to this bake?
Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be stirred in with the beef for added texture and nutrition.