Penne Pasta Bake

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Penne Pasta Bake – Hearty, Cheesy, and Perfect for Family Dinners

This Penne Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food—loaded with ground beef, creamy marinara sauce, and layers of melty cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for make-ahead dinners or freezer-friendly meals.

 Prep Time: 15 minutes

 Cook Time: 55 minutes

 Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

 Servings: 6

 Course: Main Dish

 Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • ½ lb ground beef
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 6 oz Provolone cheese, sliced
  • 4 oz Mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce
    In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
    Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Stir in the sour cream for a creamy, rich texture.
  3. Combine with Pasta
    Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and stir until all the pasta is coated with the sauce.
  4. Assemble the Bake
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
    Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the dish. Layer with half of the Provolone and half of the Mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta on top. Finish with the rest of the Provolone and Mozzarella, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake
    Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
  6. Serve
    Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips and Variations

  • Protein Swap: Add more depth of flavor by replacing half of the ground beef with Italian sausage.
  • Pasta Options: Short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or ziti also works well.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the fridge and bake when ready.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Freeze the whole unbaked or baked casserole tightly wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Leftovers: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 492 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 67mg
  • Sodium: 940mg
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 10g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands used.

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