Easy Cheesy Baked Penne

This is one of those recipes I’m guilty of making too much. Well, in general, I make all types of pasta too much. I can’t help myself, because really- who doesn’t love it!? And, I know if I make pasta, my kids will eat a TON. It’s a win-win! Out of all the pasta’s I make, this easy cheesy baked penne is one of my favorites. I even use the exact sauce recipe to make spaghetti! So, don’t get too caught up on the amount of ingredients- this is an easy, budget and leftover friendly meal. Your belly and family will thank you! Here is my easy cheesy baked penne!

Print Recipe

Easy Cheesy Baked Penne

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time1 hr

Total Time1 hr 15 mins

Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion medium; chopped
• 3-4 clove garlic minced
• 1 tomato sauce (15 oz can)
• 1 tomato paste (6 oz can)
• 1 diced tomatoes (28 oz can)
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp basil
• 1/2 tbsp Sugar
• 1/2 tbsp fennel seeds (optional)
• 1 cup water (For sauce)
• salt
• 1 box penne pasta
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded

Instructions

• Over medium heat, place olive oil in large sauce pan, and start to brown ground beef
• Add onion. Stir until onions are translucent and ground beef is browned
• Add garlic, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and water. Stir until ingredients are mixed.
• Add spices (garlic salt, oregano, pepper, red pepper flakes, parsley, basil, sugar, and fennel seeds). Stir until fragrant. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour.
• In a stock pot, add water and salt. Bring to a boil.
• Add penne pasta to stock pot. Cook until 1 minute less than directions for "al dente". Drain pasta.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Remove sauce from heat. Place cooked pasta in sauce, mix, then pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish.
• Spread mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle both cheeses (mozzarella and parmesan) over the top of the mixture.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted.