Description
This Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dinner featuring tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it combines stovetop cooking and oven baking to deliver a flavorful, satisfying dish everyone will enjoy.
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 & Oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (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 their 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 to blend the flavors.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat it fully. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Baking the Cheesy Penne: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Optionally, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesier crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serving the Dish: Let the baked penne sit for 5 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot, ideally with a 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, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
