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 neighborhood potluck, and it quickly became a favorite request for gatherings. The cheesy topping and hearty flavors always get rave reviews from everyone at the table.
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 & Baking 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 (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 & Sauce:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce and beef mixture.
- Layer in Baking Dish:
- 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 & Serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save Whenever we serve this at home, everyone gathers around the table eagerly waiting for that first scoop of bubbling pasta. It truly brings the family together during busy weeknights.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, baking dish (approx. 23x33 cm (9x13 in)), wooden spoon, chef's knife and cutting board, colander
Nutrition Information
Per serving: Calories 520, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 29 g
Variations
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, or add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables.
Save This casserole is a crowd-pleaser from the first bite. Serve with green salad and crusty bread for a truly comforting meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne works best to hold the sauce, but rigatoni or ziti can be great alternatives for this casserole.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Cook the pasta slightly under al dente as it will finish cooking in the oven, which keeps it perfectly tender.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Ground turkey or chicken are good alternatives that maintain a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → What cheese types work best for topping?
A combination of mozzarella for melting and Parmesan for sharpness delivers the best cheesy crust.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are excellent additions that enhance both flavor and nutrition.