Description
A deliciously cheesy and hearty pasta bake that combines penne pasta, ground beef, and cheddar cheese, topped for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400g (14 oz) penne pasta
- 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
- 200g (7 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and cook until browned. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Make the Sauce: Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried Italian herbs to the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Bake: Combine the cooked pasta with the beef sauce and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a cup of béchamel sauce or a dollop of cream cheese to the beef mixture before baking.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella and parmesan, for added flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving