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 still remember the first time I baked this cheesy beef and penne casserole for my family. The aroma of bubbling cheese and tomato sauce brought everyone together in the kitchen, eagerly waiting for dinner to be served.
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 & Prepare:
- 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.
- Cook 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:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce and beef mixture.
- Layer & Cheese:
- 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:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save My kids always ask for seconds on this dish and even love helping with the cheesy topping. It’s a true family favorite that’s requested for birthdays and relaxed Sunday dinners.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, baking dish (approx. 23x33 cm / 9x13 in), wooden spoon, chefs knife and cutting board, colander.
Notes
For extra flavor, add fresh basil or parsley before serving. Substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred. Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach make a great addition. Perfect with green salad and crusty bread.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 52 g, Protein: 29 g per serving.
Save This Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake brings cozy comfort to your table and is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, rigatoni or ziti work well as substitutes. Choose short pasta that holds sauce effectively.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Boil the pasta slightly less than the package instructions as it finishes cooking while baking.
- → Can I prepare it in advance?
Assemble the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- → What cheese combination works best?
Mozzarella provides meltiness while Parmesan adds sharpness and deeper flavor on top.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables?
Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peppers can be stirred in for added texture and nutrition.