Save 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.
The first time I made this bake, my family gathered around the table and everyone asked for seconds. It's always a hit at potlucks, too.
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); 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
- Preheat and prepare:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the 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 aromatics:
- 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.
- Brown the 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 the 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 the 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 and serve:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pin it This bake is our go-to dish during cozy weekends when everyone craves a home-cooked meal. My kids especially love the cheesy topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a green salad and warm, crusty bread. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving for a fresh flavor.
Required Tools
You'll need a large pot, skillet, baking dish (approx. 23x33 cm), wooden spoon, chef's knife and cutting board, and a colander for draining pasta.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 520 calories, 22 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Pin it Let the bake rest a few minutes before serving so the cheese sets beautifully. Enjoy this comforting classic with family.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti work well and hold the sauce effectively.
- → What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives that keep it light while preserving texture.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Boil the pasta slightly less than package instructions since it finishes baking in the oven.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach blend nicely into the dish.
- → What herbs enhance the sauce’s flavor?
Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme balance the tomato base perfectly with earthy notes.