The Ultimate Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake with Ground Beef: An Irresistible Comfort Food Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake! Featuring tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, a rich blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and cottage cheese, all enveloped in a delicious pasta sauce. This incredibly easy pasta casserole is guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Why This Three-Cheese Pasta Bake Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm, bubbling pasta casserole, and this Three-Cheese Pasta Bake effortlessly claims a spot at the top of that list. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience – a hearty blend of creamy cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and a savory beef sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Once you try a spoonful of this rich, gooey goodness, with its delightfully browned edges and chewy noodles, you’ll instantly understand why it has become a cherished staple in so many homes.
Often compared to lasagna for its layered goodness and comforting appeal, this easy pasta bake offers all the flavor without the fuss. It’s less about clean, precise slices and more about generous, scoopable portions – pure, unadulterated comfort food that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The addition of eggs, mixed with the noodles, adds a subtle richness and helps bind the casserole, though it’s designed to be wonderfully messy and satisfying, not perfectly structured. This isn’t a fancy, high-brow dish; it’s honest, down-home cooking at its very best.
If your household, like mine, can’t get enough pasta, then you’re in for a treat! After you’ve savored this cheesy delight, be sure to explore more of our easy and delicious pasta recipes. You might love our One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta for a creamy, weeknight solution, the bold flavors of Taco Pasta, or the fun and simple One Pot Pizza Pasta.
Top Reasons You’ll Love This Cheesy Pasta Bake Recipe
- Feeds a Crowd: This generously sized penne pasta bake is ideal for feeding large families, guests, or for ensuring plenty of leftovers. It’s a fantastic solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
- Effortlessly Easy: Despite its impressive flavor and appearance, this is a super easy pasta bake to prepare. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.
- Irresistible Flavor & Comfort: The harmonious blend of savory beef, tangy pasta sauce, and three types of creamy, melted cheese creates a flavor profile that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly comforting. It’s the quintessential comfort food.
- Freezer-Friendly: One of the best features of this casserole is its ability to be frozen. Prepare it in advance and store it in your freezer for a convenient, wholesome meal whenever you need it most. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a potluck, planning a family gathering, or simply want a hearty dinner for your loved ones, this cheesy pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser that fits every occasion.
Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Pasta Bake Casserole
Crafting the perfect cheesy pasta bake starts with a selection of quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial to the dish’s success:
The Foundation: Pasta & Meat
- PASTA: We recommend penne pasta for this recipe, as its tube shape is excellent for catching and holding the rich meat sauce and melted cheese, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. However, don’t hesitate to swap it for your favorite pasta shape! Ziti, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni would work wonderfully, adapting to your textural preference. Just ensure you cook it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during the baking process.
- BEEF: Lean ground beef is my top choice here, offering robust flavor without excessive grease. If you opt for a higher-fat ground beef, or even ground sausage for a spicier kick, remember to thoroughly drain any excess grease after cooking. For a lighter alternative, ground turkey is an excellent substitute, though you might want to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for its milder flavor.
Flavor Boosters: Seasonings & Sauce
- SEASONINGS: The aromatic base of this dish comes from a classic combination of finely chopped onions and minced garlic. These are complemented by dried basil and oregano, herbs that are essential to Italian-American cuisine and lend a beautiful, herbaceous depth. A touch of season salt ensures all these flavors pop, creating a well-rounded and incredibly savory meat sauce. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your personal taste, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- PASTA SAUCE: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Any variety of your favorite jarred pasta sauce will work perfectly. Whether you prefer a classic marinara, a robust meat sauce, or a spicy arrabbiata, choose a sauce you already know and love to guarantee a delicious outcome. If you have a cherished homemade sauce recipe, this casserole is an ideal canvas for showcasing its flavors!
The Heart of the Dish: Dairy Delight
- EGGS: A couple of eggs are mixed with the pasta, adding an incredible richness to the overall dish. They also play a subtle role in binding the pasta slightly, contributing to a more cohesive casserole texture without making it overly firm. This seemingly small addition elevates the comfort level significantly.
- BUTTER: A touch of melted butter further enhances the richness and mouthfeel, integrating seamlessly with the eggs and cheeses for an even more decadent experience.
- THREE CHEESE BLEND: This is where the “cheesy” truly comes into play!
- Mozzarella: Provides that iconic, stretchy, melty cheese pull and mild, creamy flavor that everyone loves in a baked pasta dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty depth of flavor that is essential for authentic Italian-inspired dishes.
- Cottage Cheese: Don’t skip this! While some might be hesitant, cottage cheese adds an incredible creaminess and a slightly tangy counterpoint to the rich flavors, similar to ricotta in lasagna. It melts down beautifully, creating a luscious texture without being overly prominent on its own. If you’re truly not a fan, ricotta cheese is a perfect substitution.
Step-by-Step: How To Make This Delicious Penne Pasta Bake
Creating this irresistible three-cheese pasta bake is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to bring this comforting dish to life:
- PREP THE OVEN AND PAN: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole pan (or a similar size) with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
- COOK THE PASTA: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions, aiming for al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it helps prevent it from becoming mushy. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked and set aside.
- PREPARE THE SAVORY MEAT MIXTURE: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Be sure to break up the beef as it cooks. Once done, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming oily. Stir in your favorite pasta sauce and season salt, then simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to heat through. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- CREATE THE CREAMY CHEESE & EGG MIXTURE: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano until well combined. Gradually pour the melted butter into the egg mixture in a thin stream, whisking briskly to ensure the butter is fully incorporated without scrambling the eggs. Once the pasta is drained, immediately add the egg, butter, and cheese mixture to the warm pasta in the pan, stirring quickly to coat the noodles evenly. This helps the eggs cook gently and the cheese to adhere.
- ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE: If you’d like distinct layers as shown in our photos, spread half of the coated pasta evenly in your prepared casserole dish. Then, layer with half of the cottage cheese, followed by half of the meat sauce, and finally, half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients. For a simpler approach, you can mix all the coated pasta, cottage cheese, and meat sauce together, then top with mozzarella.
- BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This initial covered baking period allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat evenly. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully browned and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- SERVE AND ENJOY: Let the cheesy pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to scoop. Serve hot and savor every comforting bite!
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Pasta Bake Every Time
Achieving a truly outstanding cheesy pasta bake is easy with a few insider tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key! The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so ensure it’s slightly firm when you drain it. This prevents a mushy texture in the final dish.
- Drain Excess Grease: If using a higher-fat ground beef, thoroughly drain the fat after browning to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Layering for Success: For those beautiful, distinct layers, make sure your ingredients are spread evenly. Don’t press them down too hard; allow some air for even baking.
- Room Temperature Eggs: If possible, let your eggs come to room temperature before whisking. This helps them combine more smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Customize Your Cheese: While our three-cheese blend is fantastic, feel free to experiment! Add some provolone for extra meltiness, or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
- Let it Rest: Don’t cut into your cheesy pasta bake immediately after taking it out of the oven. A 5-10 minute rest allows the cheeses and sauce to set, making for cleaner scoops and preventing it from falling apart.
Variations & Customizations for Your Pasta Bake
One of the best things about this cheesy pasta bake is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and flavor by incorporating finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach into the meat sauce. Sauté them with the onions and garlic.
- Spice It Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce, or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Different Proteins: Besides ground turkey or sausage, shredded cooked chicken or even vegetarian crumbles can be used for a different twist.
- Herb Garden Freshness: If you have fresh basil or oregano, chop them finely and stir them into the sauce or sprinkle over the top before baking for an extra burst of freshness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite brand of gluten-free penne pasta.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cheesy Pasta Bake
This hearty Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adding a satisfying crunch.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus adds a touch of green and extra nutrients.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
This cheesy pasta bake is an excellent make-ahead meal and stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover pasta bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing (Baked): Once the casserole has fully cooled, you can freeze individual portions or the entire dish. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Freezing (Unbaked): You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the baking step) and freeze it unbaked. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if still very cold.
- Reheating:
- From Refrigerator: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot and bubbly. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp the top.
- From Frozen (Thawed): Bake covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until bubbling and heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Pasta Bake
Yes, absolutely! While I often reach for jarred pasta sauce for convenience on busy days, this easy pasta bake casserole is an excellent recipe to showcase your homemade sauce. The rich flavors of a slow-simmered homemade sauce will only enhance the deliciousness of this dish, adding a personal touch that truly stands out.
While not strictly required, cottage cheese truly adds an incredible creaminess and unique texture to the dish, making it exceptionally luscious. Many people are surprised to find that it doesn’t stand out on its own but rather blends seamlessly into the overall flavor profile, adding richness without an overt “cottage cheese” taste. If you’re still hesitant, an excellent alternative is ricotta cheese, which offers a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, commonly used in dishes like lasagna. You could also try a blend of cream cheese and a little milk for a different kind of creaminess.
Absolutely! This cheesy pasta bake is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
Penne pasta is highly recommended for this recipe because its tubular shape is perfect for capturing and holding the rich meat and cheese sauce, ensuring flavorful bites. However, other sturdy, short pasta shapes like ziti, rigatoni, or even cavatappi would also work well. Avoid delicate pasta types that might get lost or become mushy during baking.
To prevent dryness, ensure your pasta is cooked al dente initially (slightly undercooked). Also, make sure there’s enough sauce to coat everything well, and that your casserole is covered with foil for the initial baking period. This traps moisture and allows the pasta to finish cooking without drying out. Removing the foil only for the last 15-20 minutes helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown top without over-baking the rest of the dish.
Three Cheese Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz pkg penne pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24 oz jar pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon season salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 24 oz container cottage cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 pan and set aside.
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Cook pasta according to package directions.
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Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until. Drain any excess grease. Add in pasta sauce and season salt and simmer until heated through. Remove from heat.
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In a small bowl whisk the eggs, parmesan, basil and oregano together. Pour the melted butter in a thin stream into the egg mixture while briskly stirring taking care not to scramble the eggs. Drain pasta and while stirring quickly add in the egg, butter and cheese mixture. Pour this into your prepared pan. Now layer with the cottage cheese, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
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Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for 20 minutes.
Notes
*This dish can be frozen. Just thaw completely before baking.