Creamy Bacon Beef Penne Bake

Ingredients

• 400 g penne pasta
• 500 g ground beef
• 200 g bacon (chopped)
• 250 ml heavy cream
• 200 g cream cheese
• 200 g shredded mozzarella
• 100 g shredded cheddar
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• fresh chives or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook the 400 g of penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   In a large pan or skillet, fry the 200 g of chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

3. 3

   In the same pan, add 2 tbsp of butter. Add the diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté until fragrant and softened.

4. 4

   Add the 500 g of ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

5. 5

   Season the beef mixture with 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste.

6. 6

   Stir in 200 g of cream cheese and 250 ml of heavy cream. Continue to stir over medium-low heat until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

7. 7

   Add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce and mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.

8. 8

   Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe skillet or a baking dish.

9. 9

   Sprinkle 200 g of shredded mozzarella and 100 g of shredded cheddar over the top.

10. 10

    Top the cheese layer with the reserved crispy bacon.

11. 11

    Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

12. 12

    Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes to the beef seasoning. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier melting into the sauce.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• pasta bake
• beef
• bacon
• cheesy
• baked