Pin 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.
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 oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook 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.
- Cook onion and garlic:
- 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.
- Cook 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 (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 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:
- Bake uncovered for 20 25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Rest:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pin 
Pin Recipe Questions
- → Can I use other pasta types?
Yes, short pasta like rigatoni or ziti works well to hold the sauce and cheese.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or include chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
- → Can ground turkey replace beef?
Ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- → Is it possible to prepare ahead?
Assemble the layers, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- → What sides complement this dish?
Green salads, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread are excellent accompaniments.