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.
This cheesy beef & penne bake was the dish I brought to our first neighborhood potluck after we moved; everyone raved about the melty cheese and savory sauce. Now, it's requested for birthday dinners and family get-togethers because it's simple and always delivers comfort.
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: ½ tsp (optional)
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
- Mozzarella Cheese: 200 g (2 cups), shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: 50 g (½ cup), grated
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Prep Oven & 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.
- Make Beef Sauce:
- 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. Add ground beef, breaking it up. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Add tomato passata, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Combine & Layer:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat. Pour half into the baking dish, sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add remaining pasta, top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Our family always gathers in the kitchen when this comes out of the oven, drawn by the aroma and the crispy cheese edges. It's a tradition to serve it with a fresh salad and share stories as we dig in.
Required Tools
For best results, use a large pot and skillet for browning and mixing, plus a baking dish around 23x33 cm (9x13 in). Don't forget a colander and sturdy wooden spoon for easy prep!
Allergen Information
Contains wheat and dairy. Check all packaged products for possible traces of nuts or other allergens as needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Each serving provides about 520 calories, 22 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Save to Pinterest The Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake is always a favorite at our table. Try it with a simple green salad for a classic family dinner you'll make again and again.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter alternative to beef, maintaining great flavor and texture.
- → What kind of cheese is best?
Mozzarella provides melty texture and Parmesan adds sharpness, but you can mix in cheddar or provolone too.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare and assemble in advance, then cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best results.
- → How do I add more vegetables?
Sauté mushrooms, peppers, or spinach and mix them in before baking. Fresh herbs finish the dish beautifully.
- → What sides pair well?
A green salad and crusty bread complement the bake, balancing richness with freshness and crunch.
- → Is this dish nut-free?
It can be nut-free if you check packaged ingredients for traces. No nuts are included in the main components.