Description
Cheesy Baked Penne
A comforting classic that’s loaded with hearty meat sauce and gooey melted cheese!
Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
For the pasta:
300g penne pasta
Salt for boiling water
For the meat sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
500g ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheesy topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the meat sauce:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Assemble the dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Mix well.
Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy:
Serve hot and watch as everyone dives into this cheesy delight! Perfect with garlic bread on the side.
Pro Tip: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little extra heat!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof Cheesy Baked Penne. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and start boiling a large pot of generously salted water for the pasta. While the water heats, dice your onion and mince the garlic. Cook the penne until just al dente, as it will soften further in the oven. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent, then add garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then let it simmer to meld flavors. In your baking dish, thoroughly combine the drained pasta and meat sauce. Evenly top with both cheeses. Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete Italian feast, start with a light antipasto platter. Leftovers (if you have any!) reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook penne pasta al dente. Simultaneously, brown ground beef with onion and garlic, then simmer with marinara sauce. Combine pasta and sauce in a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes. Rigatoni, ziti, or shells are excellent substitutes as their shapes hold sauce well.
How can I make this vegetarian? Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground alternative or a cup of cooked lentils. Sautéed mushrooms are another great option.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm throughout.
Can I freeze baked penne? Yes. Cool completely, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, covered, in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta initially: Boil only until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Not seasoning the pasta water: Use enough salt so the water tastes like the sea. This is your primary chance to season the pasta itself.
- Skipping the sauce simmer time: Letting the meat sauce simmer for at least 5 minutes is crucial for flavor development.
- Using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents: These can prevent smooth melting. For the best texture, shred cheese from a block.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Penne is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty meat sauce, tender pasta, and a perfectly melted cheese topping. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that is straightforward to master. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a delicious, satisfying centerpiece for any family dinner or gathering. Don’t forget to try the pro tip of adding red pepper flakes for a delightful kick!