Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Penne Bake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the beef while it browns. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the sauce can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese. Always taste your sauce before adding it to the pasta to ensure the seasoning level is exactly where you want it to be.

If you find the top of your bake is browning too quickly before the center is hot, you can loosely cover the dish with a piece of aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time.

This allows the heat to penetrate the center without burning the cheese. Remember that the quality of your ingredients, especially the cheese, will significantly impact the final flavor profile of this simple yet hearty dish.

Variations

• Vegetable Loaded Bake: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms with the beef to add texture and flavor depth. The extra vegetables complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Spicy Sausage Bake: Substitute half of the ground beef with spicy Italian sausage. The heat from the sausage pairs perfectly with the creamy tomato sauce and melted cheddar.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, or use the microwave for individual portions.

If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely for no more than 2 hours before transferring it into airtight containers. Properly stored, it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When ready to eat, reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the whole dish back in the oven until heated through, adding a small splash of water or sauce to keep it from drying out.

You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

When you are ready to serve, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes to take the chill off before placing it into the preheated oven. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time since the dish starts cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this pasta bake hot, straight from the oven, perhaps accompanied by a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

It is a hearty meal on its own, but a light, acidic vegetable side helps cut through the richness of the cheese and beef. Use a large spoon to scoop generous portions, ensuring everyone gets plenty of that delicious, melty cheese pull in every single serving.

The beauty of this dish is its versatility at the table. It works just as well for a casual family dinner as it does for a relaxed get-together with friends. Because it holds its heat well, it is perfect for serving buffet-style. Just be sure to provide a sturdy spatula or spoon for serving, as the cheesy, saucy nature of the bake makes it a bit heavy and dense when plated.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Penne Bake

Prep 15 minCook 30 minRest 5 minTotal 50 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 16 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup creamy tomato sauce

Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente. While the water heats, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Drain excess fat carefully.
2. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the browned beef and the creamy tomato sauce, stirring well to coat every piece of pasta. Transfer the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Place the dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

580

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

62 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

5 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.