Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Penne Bake

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook penne according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
4. 4 Add ground beef to skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
5. 5 Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
6. 6 Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. 7 Stir in heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened.
8. 8 Combine cooked penne and meat sauce in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. 9 Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
10. 10 Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
11. 11 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Oven

Variations

• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Substitutions

• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Use Italian seasoning in place of basil and oregano.

Pairings

• Steamed broccoli
• A crisp white wine

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter into the sauce before baking.
• Add a handful of fresh basil leaves before serving for a burst of freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad.
• Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.

FAQ