Description
Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender penne pasta combined with savory ground beef and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this baked casserole is perfect for satisfying family dinners or meal prep, offering gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
pasta and cheese
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
meat and sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preparing the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and stir occasionally. Cook according to package instructions (11-13 minutes) until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cooking the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Creating the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then mix well. Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to deepen the flavors.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce and ground beef. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Baking the Cheesy Penne: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top for an even cheesier crust. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serving the Dish: Remove the baked penne from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot, alongside a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat leftovers, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms.
- Be sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
