Classic Italian Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella
A comforting baked pasta layered with shredded Italian beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for a family dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs ounces penne pasta, shredded Italian beef, marinara sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded Italian beef
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces penne pasta and cook for 9 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon dried oregano, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 cups marinara sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked penne, 2 cups shredded Italian beef, and the marinara sauce mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Step 5: Transfer half the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Italian Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Classic Italian Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ounces penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Italian Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Italian Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Italian Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
