If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. Imagine tender penne pasta swimming in a rich tomato sauce, studded with savory, browned ground beef, and finished off with a melt-in-your-mouth blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This recipe not only delivers on heartiness and deliciousness but also brings family and friends together around the dinner table with every cheesy, flavorful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to success, and thankfully, this Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef Recipe uses simple, easy-to-find items that come together beautifully. Each one plays a vital role—from the texture and freshness of the pasta to the depth of flavor from the spices and cheeses.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the sauce and cheese.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty, savory richness to the dish.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides a sweet and aromatic base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects a punch of fragrant, mouthwatering flavor.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, tangy sauce that coats the pasta.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds texture and fresh tomato bursts.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with a classic blend of herbs for an earthy taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors to make them pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, stretchy cheesiness that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish for complexity.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing, it brings a delicate richness without overpowering.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): Offers a fresh herbal note and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt here is key—it seasons the pasta from within. Toss in your penne and cook it just until al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. This texture keeps the pasta from getting mushy when baked later. Once cooked, drain well and lightly drizzle with olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook until it turns translucent and soft. This gentle cooking releases natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the robust beef. Then add garlic, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn, but instead fills the kitchen with its irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Now it’s time to add the star protein. Crumble in the ground beef and cook it until nicely browned and no longer pink. Breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks ensures it’s tender and evenly cooked. If you notice excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce along with the diced tomatoes and all their juices—it’s that extra bit of liquid that brightens the sauce beautifully. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then stir everything together. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen for about 10 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese
Add the cooked penne right into the skillet with your savory sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles evenly. Next, sprinkle in your shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, folding them in to create a creamy, cheesy mixture that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheesy penne and beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking. If you want a golden, bubbly cheese layer on top, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella before placing it in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and starting to brown around the edges.
How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the look and flavor, scatter some fresh basil leaves over the hot casserole right before serving. The bright green color adds a fresh, herbal contrast to the deep reds and cheesy yellows, making each bite as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
This hearty meal pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a warm slice of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. These additions round out the meal without overpowering that delicious cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve this dish family-style straight from the baking dish or portion it into beautiful ramekins for a charming individual presentation. Either way, guests will appreciate the comforting, homemade vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef Recipe keeps well for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy next-day dinners.
Freezing
If you want to stash away some for longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will stay good for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a serving into the microwave for one to two minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes if you want that baked texture restored.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and will still provide a delicious flavor, though the dish may be a bit less rich. Just cook it the same way, adjusting seasoning if needed.
What can I substitute if I don’t have penne pasta?
Any short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini works well because they hold sauce nicely. Just make sure to cook the substitute pasta al dente for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Of course! Simply omit the ground beef and increase the amount of diced tomatoes or add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. You might also want to add some bell peppers or zucchini for extra heartiness.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Traditional mozzarella and Parmesan create the perfect creamy and sharp cheese balance. However, feel free to experiment with provolone or even a bit of cheddar for different flavor profiles.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can fully assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef Recipe is a true comfort-food champion sure to please both weeknight diners and gathering guests alike. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and endlessly satisfying—a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy to your dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dinner recipe featuring tender penne pasta combined with savory ground beef and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, delivering a satisfying and flavorful experience with the ease of oven baking.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 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
Cheese and Oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
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 ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Creating the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with juices). Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Baking the Cheesy Penne: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle more mozzarella on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serving the Dish: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot, paired with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
