Save to Pinterest 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 remember the first time I made this Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake after a chilly day—everyone requested seconds and the dish quickly became part of our rotation for busy evenings.
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 oven and dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook pasta:
- Boil penne pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, cook for 3 to 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 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Create 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 with pasta:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce and beef mixture.
- Layer and 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 rest of the cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this bake at Sunday dinner always prompts laughter and stories around the table—it's a true family favorite for casual gatherings.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, baking dish (approx. 23x33 cm / 9x13 in), wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board, colander
Notes
For extra flavor, add fresh basil or parsley before serving. Substitute the beef with turkey or chicken to suit dietary preferences.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 520 Calories, 22 g Total Fat, 52 g Carbohydrates, 29 g Protein
Save to Pinterest Enjoy the simple joy of cheesy comfort food and customize your bake to make each meal unique.
Ask About This Recipe
- → Can I use other pasta types instead of penne?
Yes, short pasta like rigatoni or ziti works well, as they hold sauce and bake evenly in the dish.
- → How do I prevent the dish from drying out during baking?
Be sure to slightly undercook the pasta before baking and maintain enough sauce to keep the casserole moist.
- → What cheese options can I use if mozzarella or Parmesan isn't available?
Try provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile, but keep in mind meltability and taste.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- → Can I add vegetables to enhance the dish?
Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach work great and add both color and nutrition to the bake.