Pin it 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.
A cozy meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full plates.
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), 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Dairy: 200 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Oils: 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- 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 to 4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Cook 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.
- Add 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 and Sauce:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat all the 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 and Serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pin it This recipe always brings the family together, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Notes
For extra flavor add a handful of fresh basil or parsley before serving. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if preferred. Add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for more vegetables. Pairs well with a green salad and crusty bread.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, baking dish (approx 23x33 cm 9x13 in), wooden spoon, chefs knife and cutting board, colander.
Nutritional Information
Calories 520, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 29 g per serving.
Pin it This cheesy beef & penne bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with simple ingredients and satisfying flavors.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne pasta holds sauce well and maintains texture after baking, making it an ideal choice for this dish.
- → Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are good alternatives that slightly lighten the flavor while maintaining heartiness.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be mixed in before baking to boost the vegetable content and flavor profile.
- → What cheese types create the best topping?
A combination of mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for sharpness ensures a rich, golden crust on top.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Cooking the pasta slightly under al dente before baking allows it to finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.