Pin It 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 evening when our family craved something warm and filling. It quickly became a favorite thanks to its melty cheese and rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta: 400 g (14 oz)
- Ground beef: 500 g (1.1 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): ½ tsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 200 g (2 cups)
- Parmesan cheese, grated: 50 g (½ cup)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Prep & Preheat:
- 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 Veggies:
- 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.
- Cook Beef:
- 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 & 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 20–25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Rest & Serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pin It My kids always ask for seconds of this dish, and it has quickly become one of our go-to recipes for cozy Sunday dinners together.
Make It Your Own
Stir in sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables, or use other short pasta shapes if you like.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (dairy). One serving: 520 calories, 22 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty bread.
Pin It Enjoy this casserole with your loved ones—it's sure to be a new favorite at your table!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can ground turkey be used instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, maintaining flavor and texture after baking.
- → What pasta is best suited for this bake?
Penne pasta is ideal due to its tube shape, holding sauce nicely and offering a firm bite after baking.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach when cooking the beef for added flavor and nutrients.
- → What herbs enhance the tomato sauce?
Dried oregano, basil, and thyme contribute classic Italian flavors that complement the rich tomato base.
- → How do I achieve a golden cheese topping?
Bake uncovered at 200°C (400°F) until the mozzarella and Parmesan melt and develop a bubbling, golden crust.