Creamy Beef & Penne Bake
This creamy Beef & Penne Bake is a comforting layered casserole that brings together perfectly cooked penne pasta, savory ground beef, and a delightful blend of cheeses. Warm spices like garlic and optional red pepper flakes add depth, while roasted red pepper cream cheese lends an irresistible richness to every bite. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, this dish can be assembled in advance and simply baked before serving. Customize with your choice of pasta sauce and adjust the heat level to suit your taste for a perfect weeknight dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry penne pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
roasted red pepper cream cheese
1 (250 g) container (softened)
ground beef or Italian sausage
1 1/2 lbs (browned)
fresh minced garlic
2 tablespoons (added to cooking meat)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (optional)
meatless pasta sauce
1 (26 oz) jar (added to browned meat)
sliced mushrooms
1 (10 oz) can (drained and added to sauce)
water
1/4-1/3 cup (optional for thinning sauce)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (divided)
grated parmesan cheese
2/3 cup (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
2
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then cook the penne pasta until al dente (it should be slightly firm to the bite). Drain well and transfer the hot pasta to a large mixing bowl.
3
In the mixing bowl, add the butter and cream cheese. Mix until the butter is melted and the cream cheese is fully incorporated, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated; set aside.
4
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or Italian sausage) along with the minced garlic and optional chili flakes. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, then drain off any excess fat.
5
Pour in the pasta sauce and add the drained mushrooms to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add up to 1/4 cup of water to loosen it.
6
To assemble the casserole, spread half of the meat sauce onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the creamy penne pasta mixture on top, sprinkling 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7
Dollop the remaining meat sauce over the pasta and spread it evenly using a spoon. Finally, top with another 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese and the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese.
8
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly heated and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Beef & Penne Bake?
It is a comforting layered casserole featuring penne pasta, savory ground beef or sausage, and a rich blend of cheeses including roasted red pepper cream cheese.
What type of pasta should I use?
This recipe calls for 1 lb of dry penne pasta cooked al dente.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you can use 1 1/2 lbs of Italian sausage as an alternative to ground beef.
What makes the pasta mixture so creamy?
The creaminess comes from mixing hot cooked penne with 1/4 cup of butter and a 250g container of roasted red pepper cream cheese.
At what temperature should I set my oven?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 13 x 9-inch baking dish for this recipe.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic added to the meat during browning.
Are the red pepper flakes necessary?
No, the 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
What kind of pasta sauce is recommended?
A 26 oz jar of meatless pasta sauce is used to create the meat sauce layer.
How should I prepare the mushrooms?
Use one 10 oz can of sliced mushrooms, ensuring they are drained before adding them to the sauce.
How long should the meat sauce simmer?
The meat sauce should simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to develop flavor.
What if my meat sauce is too thick?
You can add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of water to the skillet to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
How is the casserole assembled?
Spread half the meat sauce on the bottom, layer the creamy pasta and initial cheeses, then dollop the remaining sauce and final cheeses on top.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided between layers.
What is the total amount of Parmesan cheese used?
You will need 2/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, divided for layering and topping.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for about 40 minutes until it is thoroughly heated and bubbly.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, this dish is ideal for meal prep as it can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you are ready to serve.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the instructions specify baking the casserole uncovered.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a perfect weeknight dinner and a comforting dish ideal for family gatherings.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
While the recipe calls for canned mushrooms, you can substitute fresh ones by sautéing them with the meat.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The casserole is done when it is heated through and the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
What should I serve with this penne bake?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh side salad.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking or freeze individual portions after cooking.
What if I cannot find roasted red pepper cream cheese?
You can use plain cream cheese and add a small jar of chopped roasted red peppers for a similar flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
A 13 x 9-inch casserole typically provides 6 to 8 generous servings.
Is the beef drained after cooking?
Yes, you should drain off any excess fat after browning the ground beef or sausage.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Why cook the pasta al dente?
Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it stays firm and doesn't become mushy during the 40-minute baking process.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can easily customize the dish by adding spinach, bell peppers, or onions to the meat sauce.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes before serving helps the layers set and makes it easier to portion.