Dinner

Bolognese Bake with Penne, Parmesan Crème, and Garlic Bread Recipe

BySophie Carsel November 22, 2025November 22, 2025

Introduction

This Bolognese bake is a comforting and hearty dish that combines rich minced beef with creamy Parmesan and crème fraîche. It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for family dinners and served best with garlic bread and a fresh salad.

A close-up view of a white rectangular baking dish filled with baked penne pasta. The pasta is a light golden brown color with melted, slightly browned white cheese dolloped unevenly across the top. The pasta pieces are scattered in different directions, some slightly crunchy on the edges. The dish rests on a wooden surface with a blue and white checkered cloth nearby. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

400g lean minced beef
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp caster sugar
1 tbsp dried mixed Italian herbs
690ml jar passata with onions and garlic
350g penne
200ml tub half-fat crème fraîche
25g parmesan, grated
Garlic bread and salad, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Heat your grill to high. In a large, non-stick frying pan, cook the minced beef over medium heat until browned evenly.
Step 2: Add the crushed garlic, caster sugar, and dried mixed Italian herbs to the pan. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
Step 3: Pour in the passata, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer gently while you prepare the pasta.
Step 4: Cook the penne according to the packet instructions until al dente, then drain.
Step 5: In a bowl, combine the crème fraîche with the grated Parmesan, mixing well to create a creamy topping.
Step 6: Spoon half of the meat sauce into an ovenproof dish. Mix the remaining meat sauce with the cooked penne, then spread this mixture on top of the first layer.
Step 7: Drizzle the Parmesan and crème fraîche mixture evenly over the pasta and meat.
Step 8: Place the dish under the grill until the topping is golden and bubbling, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 9: Serve hot with garlic bread and fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add finely chopped onions or a splash of red wine to the meat sauce.
Use whole wheat penne for a healthier alternative, or swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and herbs.
Make it vegetarian by substituting minced beef with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts stirring occasionally to maintain texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a white baking dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted, slightly browned cheese. The pasta is golden brown, and the cheese layer is creamy white with golden spots where it has browned in the oven. The dish rests on a blue and white striped cloth over a white marbled surface. The cheese layer is unevenly spread over the penne pasta, showing the ridged texture of the pasta beneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the bake and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just add a few extra minutes under the grill if needed.

What can I serve instead of garlic bread?

A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well if you want to skip the garlic bread.

Sophie Carsel