cheesy beef penne bake

This Cheesy Beef and Penne Bake is my go-to recipe when I want a meal that satisfies every comfort food craving. Generous layers of hearty penne, seasoned beef, and tangy tomato sauce get tucked beneath a thick blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Whether it is a weeknight dinner or a potluck centerpiece, you will find yourself reaching for seconds every time.

The first time I tested this, my kitchen was packed with friends for a game night. When the dish hit the table, it disappeared faster than any snack I had ever made. Now it is a staple for gatherings and cozy evenings alike.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: provides the perfect tube shape, holding onto the saucy beef and melting cheese select a brand that cooks to tender firmness without breaking apart
• Ground beef: brings hearty flavor and great texture choose lean or extra-lean for less grease and more meaty satisfaction
• Onion: adds sweetness and depth opt for yellow or white and chop finely for even flavor
• Garlic: infuses the sauce with warmth pick firm cloves and mince fresh for maximum aroma
• Tomato passata or marinara sauce: is the heart of the casserole pick a brand that uses ripe tomatoes and no added sugar for the richest flavor
• Tomato paste: boosts umami and thickens the sauce pick one with rich color and smooth texture
• Dried Italian herbs: add herby complexity use a fresh blend or combine dried oregano basil and thyme
• Red pepper flakes: offer gentle heat use if you like a little kick but feel free to leave out for mild palates
• Salt and black pepper: balance and highlight all flavors grind fresh for best results
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: creates a stretchy bubbly topping use whole-milk mozzarella for added richness
• Grated Parmesan cheese: melts into nutty savory layers grate fresh for fullness of flavor
• Olive oil: starts the sauté process with deep flavor choose extra virgin for its fruity note and aroma

Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil and add the penne pasta. Stir occasionally and cook for two minutes less than the package says this ensures the pasta stays firm through baking. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to two hundred degrees Celsius or four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a large baking dish so your casserole will not stick

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion and cook for about four minutes stirring occasionally until soft but not browned. Add minced garlic and sauté for one more minute just until fragrant

Brown the Beef:

Add the ground beef to the skillet break it up with a spoon. Cook for six to eight minutes until beef is deeply browned and no pink remains. If there is extra fat at the bottom carefully drain it off

Build the Sauce:

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for one minute until it darkens and bubbles. Pour in tomato passata or marinara sauce. Sprinkle in Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if using then season generously with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for five full minutes stirring often so everything mingles

Combine with Pasta:

Add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce and beef mixture. Stir slowly making sure every tube is coated with saucy goodness

Assemble in Layers:

Spoon half of the beefy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheese to make a cheese layer through the middle. Top with the rest of the pasta mixture then finish with all the remaining cheeses

Bake Until Perfect:

Slide the dish uncovered into your hot oven. Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until the cheese on top is deeply golden and bubbling

Rest and Serve:

Take the baked casserole out of the oven but let it sit for five minutes. This helps the cheesy layers set and makes serving easier

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Mozzarella is my favorite ingredient in this bake because it gets perfectly gooey in the oven. When my daughter pulls that first cheesy slice and the strings stretch all the way to her plate I know dinner is a success. One evening after a rainy soccer game nobody spoke a word at the table until every plate was clean.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven for best texture or microwave if in a hurry. If planning ahead assemble the casserole cover tightly and refrigerate unbaked for up to twenty four hours then bake as usual.

Ingredient substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter taste and less fat. For a vegetarian spin try cooked lentils or a plant based meat alternative. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms bell peppers or spinach to sneak in extra vegetables.

Serving suggestions

Serve this bake with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. It is also delicious with steamed broccoli or roasted carrots on the side. For a fun twist offer a bowl of extra grated Parmesan at the table.

Cultural and historical context

Pasta bakes like this have roots in Italian American cooking where comfort food meets practicality. The blend of simple pantry ingredients layered and baked is a tradition passed down through generations especially for communal meals. This casserole channels both homey warmth and adaptability to suit every household.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer add chopped fresh tomatoes or zucchini for brightness In fall and winter stir in diced roasted squash or sweet potatoes Try topping with extra fresh Italian herbs in spring for a lighter touch

Success Stories

This dish shows up often at family reunions and school potlucks and it always disappears fast. My neighbor once asked for the recipe claiming it was the only way her picky son would eat beef and pasta. There is something universally cozy about the cheesy topping and hearty beef that draws everyone in.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze assemble the entire bake in a disposable foil pan but do not bake Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil Freeze up to three months Bake from frozen covered for thirty five minutes then uncover and bake until bubbly

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This Cheesy Beef and Penne Bake is a true crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to any table. Enjoy every gooey, hearty bite and make it your new weeknight favorite!

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can another type of pasta be used?

Yes, most short pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti work well in this preparation.

→ Is it possible to substitute ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef to change the flavor profile.

→ How can I add extra vegetables?

Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach and layer them in for added nutrition and flavor.

→ Can the bake be made ahead?

Assemble fully, refrigerate, and bake before serving. Baking time may increase slightly if chilled.

→ What's the optimal cheese blend?

Use mozzarella for melting and creaminess; Parmesan adds depth. Add provolone or cheddar for variation.

→ How do I prevent soggy pasta?

Cook pasta a few minutes shy of al dente so it absorbs flavors and holds texture when baked.