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.
I first made this cheesy bake for a cozy Sunday family meal and it instantly became a favorite because everyone loved the melty cheese and flavorful sauce.
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
- Prepare oven and dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook pasta:
- Cook penne in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- 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 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.
- Add sauce ingredients:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomato passata Italian herbs red pepper flakes 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.
- Assemble casserole:
- 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 and serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save My kids always help sprinkle the cheese on top and there is excitement in the kitchen whenever this casserole comes out of the oven warm and bubbly.
Required Tools
Large pot large skillet baking dish (approx. 23x33 cm / 9x13 in) wooden spoon chefs knife and cutting board colander
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) milk (dairy). Check all packaged ingredients for traces of nuts or other allergens if required.
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 520 total fat 22 g carbohydrates 52 g protein 29 g
Save This casserole makes leftovers that reheat beautifully so enjoy for lunch the next day or freeze portions for make-ahead meals.
Kitchen Help
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives for a lighter option while maintaining flavor.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking during baking?
Cook the penne slightly less than package directions before combining it with the sauce so it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
- → What cheeses work best for the topping?
Mozzarella provides meltiness while Parmesan adds a sharp, savory note—together they create a golden, bubbling crust.
- → Can I add vegetables to enhance the dish?
Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach can be incorporated for extra flavor and nutrition without altering the core taste.
- → Is it necessary to drain excess fat from the cooked beef?
Draining excess fat helps reduce greasiness and results in a richer, cleaner sauce consistency.
- → What herbs best complement the tomato sauce?
Dried oregano, basil, and thyme create an aromatic blend that elevates the tomato base with authentic Italian flavors.