Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef

This cheesy penne with ground beef combines the comfort of pasta with rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese, creating a family-friendly dinner that's both satisfying and simple to prepare. It's the kind of hearty, one-dish meal that becomes a regular in your weeknight rotation.

I first created this recipe when my sister and her hungry teenagers showed up unexpectedly for dinner. With just basic ingredients I had on hand, I whipped up this pasta dish, and now it's requested at nearly every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta holds the sauce perfectly in its ridges and hollow centers
• Ground beef provides hearty protein and rich flavor use 80/20 for best flavor
• Onion and garlic create an aromatic flavor base choose firm onions with no soft spots
• Tomato sauce forms the backbone of the sauce look for no sugar added varieties
• Diced tomatoes add texture and brightness to the sauce
• Italian seasoning provides a perfect blend of herbs in one convenient mix
• Mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible stretchy cheese pull use freshly shredded for best melting
• Parmesan cheese adds a salty umami depth always grate your own for superior flavor
• Olive oil helps sauté aromatics and adds richness select extra virgin for best flavor
• Fresh basil brightens the finished dish with color and aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil Water

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Properly salted pasta water should taste like the sea this seasons the pasta from within as it cooks.

Cook the Penne

Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions until al dente usually 11 to 13 minutes. The pasta should still have a slight firmness when bitten. Drain and set aside with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent clumping.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent but not browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.

Brown the Ground Beef

Increase heat to medium high add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Breaking the meat into small even pieces ensures consistent texture throughout the dish.

Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with all their juices. Add Italian seasoning salt and black pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Mix the Pasta with the Sauce

Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss gently until well coated. If the mixture seems too thick add a splash of water or beef broth. Ensuring even coating gives flavor in every bite.

Add the Cheeses

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the mixture. Stir gently to combine and allow cheese to begin melting from the residual heat. The cheese will create pockets of gooey goodness throughout the dish.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Having the oven ready ensures you can transfer the dish immediately keeping everything hot.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the cheesy penne mixture into the dish spreading it evenly to ensure consistent baking.

Top with Extra Cheese

Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top to create that irresistible cheesy crust everyone loves. Be generous here for maximum visual appeal.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This final baking step melts all the cheese and creates delicious crispy edges.

Garnish

Let cool for a few minutes then garnish with torn fresh basil leaves if desired. The slight cooling time allows the casserole to set making serving easier.

Serve

Scoop onto plates and enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Bookmark

The quality of your Parmesan makes a tremendous difference in this recipe. I learned this when I splurged on authentic Parmigiano Reggiano during a particularly difficult week when comfort food was essential. The nutty complex flavor transformed this simple dish into something truly special and I have never gone back to the pre grated variety since.

Make-Ahead Options

This dish is perfect for busy households. You can prepare the entire recipe up to the baking step, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting cold. The flavors actually improve after a day as the ingredients have more time to meld together.

Smart Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace beef for different flavor profiles. For a vegetarian version, substitute a pound of sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground meat alternative. If you're out of penne, any medium-sized pasta with ridges like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni works beautifully. For a lighter version, try whole wheat pasta and reduce the cheese by half, adding nutritional yeast for flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this cheesy penne transforms into a complete meal with thoughtful sides. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery contrast to the rich pasta. Roasted broccoli or asparagus adds nutritional balance and color. For an impressive dinner party presentation, serve with homemade garlic bread and a good bottle of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot. For children, pair with crunchy carrot and cucumber sticks.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this cheesy penne up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, then cook as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes since it will start cold.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, try using finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled firm tofu seasoned with Italian herbs.

→ Can I freeze this pasta dish?

Yes, this cheesy penne freezes wonderfully. Prepare through the baking step, cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, about 20-30 minutes.

→ What other cheeses work well in this dish?

Fontina, provolone, asiago, or monterey jack can replace or complement the mozzarella. For a sharper flavor, try adding some romano or aged cheddar along with the Parmesan. Just ensure whatever cheese you choose melts well for that perfect creamy texture.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to taste when sautéing the garlic, or mix in diced jalapeños with the onions. You could also incorporate spicy Italian sausage with the ground beef, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes, or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.

→ What sides pair well with this pasta?

This hearty dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, garlic bread or breadsticks, or a simple Caesar salad. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with antipasto or bruschetta as a starter.