Pin 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 bake for a busy weeknight dinner. The aroma filled the entire house and everyone rushed to the table. It quickly became our go-to dish for cozy 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 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
- Prep Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Boil 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 Veggies:
- 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.
- Cook 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 & Beef:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce and beef mixture.
- Layer & 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 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.
Pin This casserole is always a hit during our weekend family get-togethers. Even picky eaters look forward to cheesy seconds, and there are rarely leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this bake with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty bread for a fuller meal experience. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor.
Recipe Variations
Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, or mix in sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach to amp up the veggies. Try with different pasta shapes for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until heated through and cheese is melted.
Pin This classic bake delivers rich flavor and comforting cheesiness every time. Enjoy simple, crowd-pleasing satisfaction with every serving.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, sturdy pasta like rigatoni or ziti works well, as they hold sauce and bake nicely.
- → How to make it spicier?
Simply increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
- → What’s the best way to brown ground beef evenly?
Cook over medium heat, breaking the meat apart frequently to ensure even browning without drying.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking; add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- → Are there good substitutions for the cheeses?
Cheddar or provolone can be used, though mozzarella and Parmesan provide the best melt and flavor balance.