Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? It’s time to elevate your meal rotation with our truly distinctive and utterly delicious **Freezer-Friendly Penne Pasta Bake**! This recipe reimagines the classic pasta bake, veering away from traditional red sauce to embrace a rich, creamy, and savory blend that will tantalize your taste buds. We achieve this unique flavor profile with a harmonious combination of robust brown gravy, tangy spaghetti sauce, and a touch of indulgent half & half, all beautifully infused with aromatic garlic, fragrant herbs, and a generous medley of cheeses. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that promises comfort in every forkful, and the best part? It’s designed for convenience, making it the perfect make-ahead meal for busy schedules. Prepare to impress your family and yourself with this incredibly easy and remarkably flavorful pasta bake that you can enjoy now or save for later!

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⏲️ Time Needed to Create This Comforting Dish

One of the many reasons to love this Penne Pasta Bake is its efficiency. The prep time is significantly reduced by cleverly multitasking: while your penne pasta boils to al dente perfection, you’ll be simmering the rich, creamy sauce for the casserole. Both of these crucial steps take approximately 10 minutes each, allowing for a streamlined cooking process. If you’re a savvy meal prepper who keeps cooked ground beef readily available in your freezer – a system we highly recommend for ultimate convenience – you can shave off even more time. However, if you’re starting with raw ground beef, plan to add an extra 10 minutes to your cooking schedule for browning the meat thoroughly before proceeding. Once the pasta bake is assembled with all its flavorful components, it requires only 25 minutes in a preheated oven to achieve that bubbly, golden, cheesy top. This means that from start to finish, this satisfying dish can be on your table in about 40 minutes if your ground beef is pre-cooked, or a still impressive 50 minutes if you need to brown the beef from scratch. It’s a truly quick and easy weeknight solution!

🥘 Ingredients for a Flavorful Penne Pasta Bake

While the ingredient list might appear extensive at first glance, don’t be intimidated! This recipe boasts incredibly minimal prep work, making it perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still crave a homemade meal. The primary components requiring actual cooking are the garlic (a quick sauté), the penne pasta, and the ground beef. As mentioned, if you’ve already got cooked ground beef in your freezer, that step is entirely eliminated, further simplifying your cooking experience. The rest of the magic happens by simply combining and simmering the remaining ingredients to create our signature creamy sauce before baking. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the unique depth of flavor that sets this pasta bake apart.

• Olive oil: The base for sautéing our aromatic garlic, adding a subtle richness.
• Cooked ground beef: The hearty foundation of this bake. Pre-cooked is a time-saver, but browning it fresh also works wonderfully.
• Minced garlic: Essential for infusing the sauce with its signature savory aroma and flavor.
• Spaghetti sauce: Provides a familiar tomato base, but its role here is balanced by other creamy elements.
• Brown gravy: The secret ingredient that contributes a deep, savory, umami richness and a wonderful silky texture to the sauce.
• Half and half: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooths out the sauce, creating a truly comforting mouthfeel.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: Incorporated into the sauce for a salty, nutty flavor that melts beautifully.
• Oregano: A classic Italian herb that brings a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery note.
• Rosemary: Adds a fragrant, piney essence, complementing the beef and other herbs perfectly.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and balance the dish.
• Penne pasta: The perfect shape for this bake, as its hollow center and ridges capture the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The quintessential topping for a pasta bake, creating a gooey, irresistible crust.
• Non-stick cooking spray: For preparing your baking dish, ensuring easy cleanup.

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Penne Pasta Bake

Get ready to create a truly memorable meal with these straightforward instructions. Follow along for a seamless cooking experience!

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it will be perfectly hot and ready when your assembled penne pasta bake is ready to go in, saving you valuable time.
2. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. While the pasta is cooking, you’ll prepare our unique, creamy sauce.
3. In a large fry pan or pot, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown; you want it fragrant and softened, not burnt, as this can lead to a bitter taste.




4. Now, it’s time to build our signature sauce. Add the cooked ground beef (if you’re browning it from raw, do this before adding the garlic, drain any excess fat, then add the garlic and proceed), spaghetti sauce, brown gravy, half & half, oregano, rosemary, and a generous amount of salt and pepper to taste to the pan with the garlic. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Allow the sauce mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.




6. Once your pasta is perfectly cooked and the ground beef mixture has simmered for the full 10 minutes, drain the pasta thoroughly. Gently stir the cooked penne pasta directly into the rich ground beef and creamy sauce mixture in the pot. Ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the delicious sauce.




7. Prepare your chosen baking dish by coating it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the entire pasta mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
8. Generously sprinkle the top of the pasta with shredded mozzarella cheese. This will melt into a beautiful, golden, gooey crust during baking.




9. Finally, place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the pasta bake is heated through.




10. And that’s it! Your homemade, comforting Penne Pasta Bake is ready to be served. Enjoy!

❄️ Freezer Instructions: Make Ahead for Ultimate Convenience

This Penne Pasta Bake is not just delicious; it’s incredibly freezer-friendly, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping and busy weeknights. The nature of its ingredients – hearty pasta, ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce – allows it to hold up beautifully in the freezer without losing its texture or flavor upon reheating. To maximize your time, consider doubling the ingredients on your shopping list and preparing an extra pan (or two!) specifically for the freezer. This smart strategy ensures you always have a comforting, home-cooked meal ready to go with minimal effort, perfect for those unpredictable days.

To prepare for freezing:

1. Follow the recipe instructions precisely up to the point of assembling the pasta and sauce in the baking dish and sprinkling with mozzarella cheese.
2. Do not bake it at this stage. The pasta bake should be completely unbaked before freezing.
3. Once assembled, cover the baking dish tightly. You can use a double layer of aluminum foil, or a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of freezer paper or foil. Ensure it’s airtight to prevent freezer burn.
4. Clearly label the dish with “Penne Pasta Bake” along with the date and simple reheating instructions: “Thaw and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.” This eliminates guesswork when you’re ready to cook it later.
5. Place the covered dish in your freezer, where it can be stored for up to 3 months.

To cook from frozen:

For best results, it is recommended to thaw the pasta bake in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap (if used) and bake, covered with foil, at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through, and the cheese is golden. If baking from frozen directly, it will take longer (around 45-60 minutes covered, then uncovered until bubbly). Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Penne Pasta Bake

This Freezer-Friendly Penne Pasta Bake isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary lifesaver that brings immense joy and convenience to your kitchen. Firstly, its unique flavor profile truly stands out. The departure from a standard marinara sauce to a creamy, savory blend of brown gravy, spaghetti sauce, and half & half creates an unexpectedly rich and comforting taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. Secondly, it’s a **true family favorite**, appealing to both adults and children with its hearty combination of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. Furthermore, the **ease of preparation** is unbeatable. With simultaneous cooking steps and the option to use pre-cooked beef, you can whip this up even on your busiest evenings. And finally, its exceptional freezer-friendliness means you can effortlessly double the recipe, ensuring you have delicious, homemade meals on hand for future occasions, making meal planning a breeze. It’s the perfect blend of unique flavor, comfort, and practicality.

Tips for Perfecting Your Penne Pasta Bake

Achieving the perfect pasta bake is all about a few key details. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Freezer-Friendly Penne Pasta Bake turns out flawlessly every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your penne pasta until it’s just al dente. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly firm pasta is ideal to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Garlic Care: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat low and cook only until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to the entire sauce.
• Ground Beef Prep: If browning raw ground beef, make sure to drain any excess fat before adding other ingredients to keep the sauce from becoming greasy. If using pre-cooked beef, ensure it’s thawed and ready to go.
• Flavor Development: The 10-minute simmer time for the sauce is crucial. It allows all the distinct flavors from the brown gravy, spaghetti sauce, half & half, and herbs to meld together, creating a cohesive and rich taste. Don’t rush this step!
• Cheese Quality: Use freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses sometimes contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly they melt.
• Baking Dish Size: Use an appropriately sized baking dish (typically a 9×13 inch casserole dish) so the pasta bake has enough surface area for the cheese to brown nicely and for even heating.
• Serving Temperature: Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt a recipe to your personal taste or what you have on hand. This Penne Pasta Bake is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas to customize it:

• Protein Swap: Not a fan of ground beef? You can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage (mild or hot for an extra kick). Cook and drain as you would the ground beef.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and texture by incorporating finely diced vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or even a handful of fresh spinach can be added to the sauce along with the ground beef.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is traditional for the topping, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A blend of mozzarella and provolone, or even some smoked gouda, can add different dimensions of flavor.
• Herb Adjustments: If you have other favorite Italian herbs like basil or thyme, you can certainly add those in moderation to complement the oregano and rosemary. Fresh herbs, added at the end of simmering, can also elevate the dish.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Simply swap out the regular penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free penne variety. Ensure your brown gravy and spaghetti sauce are also gluten-free if this is a concern.

Recipe

Freezer-Friendly Penne Pasta Bake

5 from 2 votes

Let go of the ordinary with the distinctive flavor of our delicious freezer-friendly Penne Pasta Bake! Traditional red sauce is replaced with a creamy combination of brown gravy, spaghetti sauce, and half & half and flavored with garlic, herbs, and cheese.

Author
Author:

Mary Ann

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Prep Time

5 minutes
mins

Cook Time

35 minutes
mins

Total Time

40 minutes
mins

Course
Main Dish

Cuisine
Italian

Servings

8
servings

Calories
357

Ingredients

  

• 2
  tablespoons
  olive oil
• 1
  pound
  ground beef, browned
• 3
  cloves
  garlic
• ¾
  cup
  spaghetti sauce
• ¾
  cup
  brown gravy
• ½
  cup
  half and half
• ¼
  cup
  Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1
  teaspoon
  oregano
• ½
  teaspoon
  rosemary
• salt and pepper to taste
• 12
  ounces
  penne pasta
• 1
  cup
  mozzarella cheese, shredded
• non-stick cooking spray

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Mince 3 cloves garlic.
• Cook 12 ounces penne pasta according to package directions.
• While pasta is cooking, brown 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet and drain fat if needed.
• In the same pan, sauté garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil over low heat for 1-2 minutes.
• Add ¾ cup spaghetti sauce, ¾ cup brown gravy, ½ cup half and half, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add pasta and mix gently. Pour mixture into a baking dish prepared with non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle the top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
• Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Notes

This pasta dish freezes well, so you may want to double the ingredients on your shopping list and make an extra pan for the freezer. Prepare your recipe for the freezer, but do not bake. Wrap with foil or freezer paper and label with “Penne Pasta Bake: Thaw and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.”

Nutrition per serving

Calories:
357
cal


Carbohydrates:
36
g


Protein:
23
g


Fat:
13
g


Sodium:
428
mg


Fiber:
2
g


Sugar:
3
g


Net Carbohydrates:
34
g

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🥗 Complementary Side Dishes

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your Penne Pasta Bake from a great meal to an extraordinary dining experience. The rich and creamy nature of this dish means that simple, fresh sides often work best, providing a lovely contrast without overwhelming the palate. Here are some perfect accompaniments:

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers a refreshing counterpoint with its bright, tangy dressing and crunchy croutons. The sharp flavors of Parmesan and robust dressing cut through the richness of the pasta bake beautifully.
• Green Vegetables: Steamed or roasted green vegetables are always a healthy and delicious choice. Consider broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or even sautéed zucchini. A light seasoning of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice will keep them fresh and vibrant.
• Garlic Bread or Cheesy Bread: If you’re not counting carbs and want to fully embrace comfort food, a side of warm, crusty garlic bread or cheesy bread is absolutely irresistible. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra delicious sauce!
• Simple Green Salad: A basic mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a cleansing freshness between bites of the rich pasta.
• Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: A pan of roasted cherry tomatoes, perhaps with a sprinkle of herbs, offers a burst of sweet and acidic flavor that can brighten the meal.

Ultimately, choose sides that you and your family enjoy, but remember that simpler options often highlight the main dish’s flavors more effectively.