cheesy beef penne bake (Print View)

Penne, beef, tomato sauce, and bubbling cheeses unite for a comforting baked dish that’s perfect for sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz penne pasta

→ Meats

02 - 1.1 lb ground beef

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce

05 - 24 oz tomato passata or marinara sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
08 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Dairy

10 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Oils

12 - 2 tbsp olive oil

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook penne pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add ground beef to skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato passata, dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes.
06 - Add drained pasta to the sauce and beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat pasta.
07 - Spread half the pasta mixture in the prepared dish. Sprinkle evenly with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan. Top with remaining pasta mixture and finish with the rest of the cheeses.
08 - Place dish uncovered in oven and bake 20 to 25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
09 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Uses wholesome and easy-to-find pantry staples
  • Ready in just under an hour from start to finish
  • Perfect for meal prep and always a family favorite
  • Bakes up bubbly and golden with crowd-pleasing cheesy goodness
02 -
  • Great as reheated leftovers for lunch boxes the next day
  • High in protein and a balanced dish on its own
  • Customizable with extra veggies or different cheeses
03 -
  • Undercook the pasta a little so it holds its shape through baking
  • Always drain excess beef fat for a cleaner taste and perfect sauce consistency
  • Let the bake rest five to ten minutes for easier servings and beautiful cheesy layers

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