Save 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).
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)
I first made this penne bake for a weekend dinner with friends (it instantly became a favorite for its cozy flavors and melty cheese).
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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
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Instructions
- Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Brown Beef:
- Add ground beef breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 6 8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauce:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomato passata Italian herbs red pepper flakes (if using) salt and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta to skillet. Stir to coat pasta in sauce and beef mixture.
- Layer:
- Pour half the pasta mixture in prepared dish. Sprinkle with half mozzarella and half Parmesan. Add remaining pasta and top with rest of cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered 20 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save My kids always ask for extra cheese on their slices (this dish brings everyone together for seconds at the table).
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Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad and crusty bread (for a full meal try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach).
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover penne bake keeps well in the fridge up to 3 days and reheats easily (you can also freeze portions for future meals).
Nutrition Info
Each serving contains about 520 calories 22 g fat 52 g carbohydrates and 29 g protein (nutritional values are approximate).
Save 
This cheesy beef and penne bake is always a crowd pleaser (easy enough for weeknights and special enough for sharing).
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives to beef without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for freezing?
This pasta bake freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Reheat until hot throughout.
- → Which cheeses are best for topping?
Mozzarella and Parmesan offer a perfect balance of meltiness and sharp flavor, but cheddar or provolone can be substituted.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be stirred into the beef mixture before layering with the pasta.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook pasta for two minutes less than package instructions to avoid overcooking while baking in the oven.
