Ground Beef Penne Pasta Bake

$- Ground beef - Penne pasta - Crushed tomatoes The main ingredients are simple but key. Ground beef gives a hearty base. I use penne pasta for its perfect shape. Crushed tomatoes add rich flavor and moisture. - Italian seasoning - Granulated sugar - Salt and pepper Seasoning is vital for taste. Italian seasoning brings out the flavors. A touch of granulated sugar balances the acidity. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance the dish. - Mozzarella cheese - Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves Cheese makes this bake special. Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture. Parmesan adds a salty kick. Fresh basil leaves give a pop of color and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above. 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a great bake. 2. Cooking the penne pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of penne pasta and cook until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. 3. Preparing the meat sauce: In a big skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds. Next, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook until it is browned, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Drain any extra fat. Stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 can of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Let this simmer for 5 minutes. 1. Mixing pasta with the sauce: Combine the cooked penne with the meat sauce in the skillet. Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts into the sauce. 2. Greasing the baking dish: Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This will help prevent sticking. 3. Adding cheese toppings: Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the dish. Top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a delicious cheesy crust. 1. Setting the baking time: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. 2. Checking for doneness: Look for a nice golden crust on top. The cheese should be melted and gooey. 3. Cooling and garnishing: When done, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. For a fresh touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your Ground Beef Penne Pasta Bake! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. - Avoiding overcooking pasta: Cook the penne just until al dente. This means it should be firm and a bit chewy. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so undercooking it slightly helps maintain its texture. - Achieving the best cheese crust: Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a rich, golden crust. Make sure to cover the dish evenly with cheese. For extra crispiness, broil the bake for a few minutes at the end. - Ensuring balanced flavors: Taste your meat sauce before mixing it with the pasta. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. - Browning ground beef correctly: Break up the meat with a spatula and cook it over medium heat. This allows it to brown evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of browning. - Tips for sautéing onions and garlic: Sauté onions first until they are soft. Then, add garlic for the last 30 seconds. This will prevent the garlic from burning, which can make the dish taste bitter. - Timing for ingredient additions: Add the crushed tomatoes and seasonings after the beef is browned. This allows the flavors to meld nicely. - Serving in individual portions: For a fun twist, serve the bake in small, oven-safe bowls. Each guest can have their own serving, making it feel special. - Garnishing ideas: Fresh basil leaves add color and a hint of flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top or drizzle with olive oil before serving. - Complementing sides: A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs well with this dish. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the bake. {{image_4}} You can switch ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. This makes the dish lighter. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free penne pasta. You can also add fresh veggies like spinach or bell peppers. These changes add color and nutrients to your meal. Want to change the taste? Try using different cheeses. Cheddar or provolone can add a unique twist. If you like heat, add some hot sauce. A few dashes can spice things up. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the flavor too. Just chop them finely and mix them in before baking. For those on a keto diet, swap pasta for cauliflower. This keeps the meal low-carb. If you want a vegetarian dish, replace the beef with lentils or mushrooms. To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese options. These swaps let everyone enjoy a tasty meal. When you have leftover Ground Beef Penne Pasta Bake, cool it quickly. Place it in airtight containers. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. In the fridge, it lasts up to 3-4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To freeze, let the dish cool completely first. Then, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out all the air to avoid freezer burn. The pasta bake can stay fresh in the freezer for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. You can then bake it at 350°F (175°C) until hot. Leftovers can be great for lunch or dinner. Try making a pasta salad with the bake. Mix in some fresh veggies and a bit of dressing. For a quick meal, reheat in the microwave. Use a low power setting to warm it evenly. This dish stays flavorful and satisfying even after a few days! Look for a golden brown top. The cheese should bubble nicely. A fork can help check the center. If it feels hot and firm, it is ready. Yes, you can. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it with foil and store in the fridge. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes. A fresh salad works great with this dish. Try a simple green salad with vinaigrette. Garlic bread is also a perfect match. It adds a nice crunch and flavor. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Ground Beef Penne Pasta Bake. I shared the key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips. Cooking involves using the right seasonings and cheese toppings. You can also try fun variations based on your diet or ingredients on hand. Lastly, I provided storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoy making and sharing this hearty dish with friends and family! Simple steps can lead to a delicious meal everyone will love.$

Ground Beef Penne Pasta Bake

Indulge in a comforting Cheesy Ground Beef Penne Bake that’s perfect for family dinners! This tasty recipe combines savory ground beef, tender penne pasta, and a melty cheese topping that will have everyone coming back for more. Ready in just under an hour, it’s easy to make and even easier to love.

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

8 oz penne pasta

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking.

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart, cooking until it is browned evenly, which should take around 5-7 minutes. If there is excess fat, carefully drain it from the skillet.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.

Combine the cooked penne pasta with the meat sauce in the skillet. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese so that it melts into the mixture and is evenly distributed.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil, then transfer the pasta and meat mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Top the pasta mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan, making sure it is well-covered for that delicious cheesy crust.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling enticingly.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set the layers. For a fresh touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve portions in individual bowls and drizzle with a bit of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper. Enjoy your meal!