This hearty baked penne rigate dish combines a savory beef and tomato mixture with a creamy Parmesan and mozzarella cheese sauce, creating a rich and comforting meal. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s easy to make and loved by everyone. The flavors blend beautifully, with the creamy sauce and tender pasta making it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy all appetites.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- 40 g butter
- 1 bunch spring onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 500 ml milk
- 300 g penne rigate pasta
- 150 g hard Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Beef and Tomato Mixture:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 600 g minced beef
- 300 g canned chopped tomatoes (in their juice)
- 150 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne rigate pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped spring onions and sauté until soft.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef and Tomato Mixture:
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the minced beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the chopped canned tomatoes with their juice. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the beef and tomato mixture. Mix well.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with half of the grated mozzarella.
- Repeat the process with the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Dish:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread.
- Pair with a simple green salad for added freshness.
- Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine for a comforting dinner experience.
Cooking Tips
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a little cream to the cheese sauce.
- Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- You can prepare the beef and tomato mixture in advance to save time.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in protein from beef and cheese.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and tomatoes.
- Provides healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese.
- A comforting and filling dish that keeps you satisfied.
Dietary Information
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 7 g
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely before freezing, and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy one-pot dish with minimal preparation.
- It’s perfect for meal prepping and leftovers.
- The combination of cheese and beef makes it a satisfying meal.
- It’s a family-friendly recipe that even kids will love.
Conclusion
This baked penne rigate with beef and tomato is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with rich flavors from the beef, cheese, and creamy sauce, it’s a meal that will please everyone at the table. The easy-to-follow recipe makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while still feeling indulgent. This hearty dish is perfect for those seeking a delicious and filling dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or macaroni. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and tomato mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake when ready. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this baked penne can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure it cools completely before freezing. - Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture. - Can I use a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and a non-dairy milk alternative to make this dish dairy-free. - How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture. - Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. - What should I serve this with?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly. - How do I make the cheese sauce extra creamy?
You can add a little heavy cream to the cheese sauce for a richer texture. - Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. Just chop them up and make sure to simmer them until they break down into a sauce-like consistency.