Name: Ground Beef Penne Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 oz. marinara sauce (high quality); ½ cup half and half (can substitute heavy cream); 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; ¾ teaspoon dried oregano; ¾ teaspoon dried basil; ¾ teaspoon dried parsley; ¾ teaspoon mustard powder; 1 lb. ground beef; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ½ cup beef broth; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided; ¾ lb. penne pasta

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If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings together hearty flavors and cheesy goodness, then this Ground Beef Penne Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderful blend of perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender penne pasta, and a rich marinara sauce enhanced with a creamy half-and-half touch, all baked under a golden blanket of melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or friendly gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two black frying pans with tan handles on a white marbled surface. In the first pan, there is a layer of cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of translucent white onions, spread evenly covering the whole pan with a crumbly texture. In the second pan, the cooked meat and onions are covered with a thick, smooth, orange-colored sauce with visible small chunks, filling the whole pan and showing a partially submerged black spoon on the right side. The sauce layer looks creamy and rich. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the herbs that brighten the sauce, to the cheeses that create that irresistible gooey topping, every element matters.

32 oz. marinara sauce: Use a high-quality marinara for the best rich tomato flavor that forms the base of your sauce.
½ cup half and half: Adds a velvety creaminess; substitute with heavy cream if you want it even richer.
1 teaspoon soy sauce: A secret punch of umami enhancing the depth of the meat sauce.
1 teaspoon hot sauce: Provides a subtle heat that lifts the flavors without overpowering.
¾ teaspoon each dried oregano, basil, parsley, mustard powder: Classic Italian herbs and a hint of mustard powder to give complexity and balance to the sauce.
1 lb. ground beef: The star protein, seasoned perfectly to be juicy and flavorful.
Salt and pepper: Essential to season all components perfectly.
1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and aroma to the meat mixture.
3 cloves garlic (minced): A necessary punch of bold flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
½ cup beef broth: Adds moisture and richness while picking up the flavorful bits from the pan.
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Gives nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
2 cups mozzarella (divided): Half melts into the sauce and the other half blankets the top for that irresistible golden crust.
¾ lb. penne: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto thick sauce and cheese in every bite.

How to Make Ground Beef Penne Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

Start by combining the marinara sauce, half and half, soy sauce, hot sauce, and the dried herbs in a bowl and set it aside. This mixture will bring together layers of tangy, creamy, savory, and herbal notes that make the sauce shine.

Step 2: Preheat and Boil Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, seasoning it with about three-quarters of a tablespoon of salt once boiling. This salty water will give your penne a perfect al dente texture that’s essential for holding up in the casserole.

Step 3: Cook Ground Beef with Aromatics

Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet to medium-high and add the beef, breaking it up with a spoon. After about three minutes, add diced onions and minced garlic. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and the beef is fully cooked, about five to six minutes. Drain excess grease carefully to keep the dish hearty but not greasy.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Flavor

Stir in the tomato paste to the beef mixture and cook for an additional one to two minutes to deepen the flavor. Next, pour in the beef broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape the browned bits from the bottom and sides of the pan; these bits add incredible richness to the sauce. Allow it to bubble gently and reduce by half, about three to four minutes.

Step 5: Simmer Sauce with Combined Ingredients

Add your reserved sauce mixture from Step 1 to the skillet and bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered as you boil your penne pasta until just al dente, making sure not to overcook it so that it retains a pleasant bite.

Step 6: Incorporate Cheeses into the Sauce

Once the pasta is ready, immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan and a quarter cup of mozzarella into the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt smoothly and enrich the sauce with their creamy texture and distinct savory notes.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Bake

Drain the penne and add it directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together so each piece of pasta is lovingly coated. Transfer this mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top in an even layer.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes. For an extra golden and bubbly top, switch to broil at 450°F for one to two minutes but watch it closely to avoid burning. When done, remove the casserole and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Let it rest for five minutes to settle before serving.

How to Serve Ground Beef Penne Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with baked pasta with meat sauce and cheese. The bottom layer is golden-yellow penne pasta mixed with a rich red tomato meat sauce that has small chunks of browned meat. On top is a thick layer of melted white cheese, slightly browned in spots, covering most of the pasta. Green herbs are lightly sprinkled over the cheese, adding color contrast. A wooden spoon is scooping a portion from the right side of the dish, revealing gooey melted cheese stretching with the pasta and sauce. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple parsley sprinkled over the casserole adds a fresh, bright color and subtle herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese topping. Feel free to add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra special touch.

Side Dishes

Garlic bread with melted cheese is a classic partner to this casserole, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette also provides a refreshing counterbalance to the indulgence of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins to make it feel like a personal comfort meal, perfect for casual dinner parties. For a family-style presentation, let the casserole shine in the dish it was baked in, paired with brightly colored serving utensils to elevate the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Ground Beef Penne Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for three to four days, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to two months; just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from becoming too browned during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the hearty sauce, rigatoni, ziti, or even penne rigate will work wonderfully in this casserole.

What if I don’t have half and half?

You can substitute heavy cream for a richer texture, or even whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as creamy.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a tasty vegetarian casserole.

Can I prepare the casserole entirely ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before putting it in the oven for even cooking.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

Al dente pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite. Check the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions say to drain; it will continue cooking slightly when baked with the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Penne Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a favorite because of its comforting taste, ease of preparation, and generous cheese pull. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress friends with minimal fuss, this casserole delivers hearty flavors and cheesy satisfaction every time. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!