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
Scale
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.
