When you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal, nothing beats a Ground Beef Penne Casserole. This classic dish combines savory ground beef, tender penne pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience. Below, we’ll walk you through every step of making this beloved casserole, including a handy ingredient table and simple instructions. Get ready to enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner everyone will love.
Ground Beef Penne Casserole Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Penne pasta | 12 oz |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Fresh basil leaves | For garnish |
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes & Seasoning: Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook the Penne: Boil the penne pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. This will create a rich, creamy layer for the casserole.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, start with half of the cooked penne, then half of the beef-tomato mixture. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the top.
- Repeat & Top: Add the remaining penne, beef mixture, and creamy cheese. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
