Description
Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty pasta bake featuring tender penne, savory browned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for family meals and meal prepping, delivering satisfying flavors with a golden baked cheese crust.
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
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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 cook according to package instructions for 11-13 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cooking the Ground Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute while stirring frequently. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Creating the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and gently stir to combine the cheese throughout.
- Baking the Cheesy Penne: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serving the Dish: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot, ideally paired 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 leftover portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
