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 first made this Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake for a family game night, and it instantly became everyone's favorite dinner request. Watching the cheese bubble and brown in the oven always fills the kitchen with delicious anticipation.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta: 400 g (14 oz), uncooked
- 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
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 200 g (2 cups)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 50 g (½ cup)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare 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.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 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, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat all pasta in the sauce and beef mixture.
- Layer Bake:
- 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 to 25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Rest & Serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save Sharing leftovers the next day is a tradition in our house. My kids argue over who gets the cheesy corners!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cheesy bake with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to complete your meal, or add a side of roasted vegetables for extra color.
Ingredient Variations
Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef, or sneak in extra veggies like peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Fresh basil or parsley makes a flavorful garnish, and you can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the whole dish at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Save Bring this Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake to your next gathering and watch it disappear fast. Leftovers make a fantastic quick lunch the next day!
Common Questions
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like rigatoni or ziti will hold up well in the bake and absorb the sauce nicely.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce will enhance the heat.
- → What cheese combinations work best?
Mixing mozzarella for meltiness with Parmesan for sharpness provides a balanced, flavorful topping.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking to save time when ready to cook.
- → What sides complement this bake?
Fresh green salads and crusty bread pair well to balance the richness of the dish.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly.