Dinner

Bolognese Bake with Parmesan Cream Recipe

ByBen Miller November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

Introduction

This Bolognese bake is a comforting and hearty dish that combines rich minced beef sauce with creamy Parmesan topping. It’s a simple twist on classic Bolognese, baked to golden perfection and perfect for family dinners.

A white baking dish filled with baked pasta, the pasta tubes are golden brown and mixed with a baked tomato-based sauce visible in places. The top layer is covered with melted, bubbly white cheese that has browned spots, creating a rich and creamy texture. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a blue and white checkered cloth towel nearby. 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 the grill to high. In a large, non-stick frying pan, cook the minced beef until it is browned all over.
Step 2: Add the crushed garlic, caster sugar, and dried mixed Italian herbs to the pan and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the passata with onions and garlic, season to taste, then reduce the heat and simmer gently while you cook the pasta.
Step 4: Cook the penne pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the crème fraîche and grated parmesan until smooth.
Step 6: Spoon half of the minced beef mixture into an ovenproof dish. Mix the remaining mince with the cooked pasta and pour this mixture on top.
Step 7: Drizzle the parmesan and crème fraîche cream evenly over the pasta layer.
Step 8: Place the dish under the grill and cook until the top is golden and bubbling, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 9: Serve hot with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use full-fat crème fraîche instead of half-fat.
Add a splash of red wine to the mince mixture while simmering for extra depth.
Try swapping penne for rigatoni or fusilli for a different pasta shape.
Sprinkle extra grated parmesan or grated mozzarella on top before grilling for more cheesy goodness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. The texture may soften after refrigeration but the flavors will remain delicious.

How to Serve

The image shows a rectangular light blue baking dish filled with baked penne pasta covered in uneven dollops of melted white cheese lightly browned on top. The pasta is golden brown with some darker, crispier edges visible under the cheese. The dish sits on a white marbled textured surface next to a blue and white checkered cloth. The cheese appears creamy with a slightly bubbly texture, and the pasta pieces are layered close together but not densely packed. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a mix of soft and crisp textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

You can assemble the bake ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. This makes it a great option for weekday meal prep.