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.
Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake quickly became a favorite in our house after a chilly autumn evening when we needed something simple, hearty, and delicious to share together. I love how customizable it is with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
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
- Preheat 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 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 and sauce:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce and beef mixture.
- Layer and top:
- 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 This is the dish my kids request on busy school nights when everyone needs some extra comfort. Sharing it hot from the oven always brings everyone to the table smiling and hungry.
Recipe Variations
Add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach to include more vegetables or swap cheeses for different flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and a loaf of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides approximately 520 calories, 22 g fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Save Try this casserole for a quick weekday meal or save leftovers for easy lunch. It will warm up any dinnertime.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne pasta is ideal as it holds the sauce well and provides a pleasant bite after baking.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well and offer a lighter alternative while maintaining flavor.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to boost both nutrition and texture.
- → What cheeses are recommended for topping?
Using a combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan creates a golden, flavorful crust.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
- → How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.