Name: Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 24 ounces marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

There’s something so comforting about a bubbling, cheesy pasta bake fresh from the oven, and that’s exactly what you get with my Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or savoring as leftovers the next day.

A black cast iron skillet filled with baked pasta, showing about three layers: at the bottom is a mix of yellow penne pasta and chunky red tomato sauce with browned ground meat, the middle layer has melted golden-brown cheese spread unevenly, and dollops of creamy white ricotta cheese are scattered on top. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the entire dish, adding fresh color. The skillet sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and some sprigs of fresh parsley are arranged around it. A beige cloth with a striped pattern is casually draped in the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This baked penne dish has become one of my go-to meals because it’s straightforward to make yet tastes like you invested way more time into it. Plus, it’s got that perfect balance of meaty richness and cheesy goodness that everyone raves about.

One-Pan Simplicity: The whole dish cooks in one oven-safe skillet, making cleanup super easy.
Comfort Food Classic: It hits all the cozy notes with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and melted cheeses.
Customizable: You can switch up the cheeses or add veggies to suit your taste.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully without losing moisture or flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe lies in simple, quality ingredients working in harmony. Each element brings its own texture and flavor, making the dish satisfying and well-balanced.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked penne pasta, a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small heap of diced yellow onion, two whole garlic cloves with papery skin, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of Italian seasoning mix, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese on a simple white plate, a small pile of shredded mozzarella cheese on a white ceramic dish, a small pile of shredded parmesan cheese on a matching white plate, two whole brown eggs with clean shells placed neatly to one side, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a simple clean white ceramic surface, no duplicates, no packaging, no utensils, no bottles, no cutting boards, no napkins, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Penne Pasta: Its tube shape holds sauce beautifully and maintains a nice bite when baked.
Ground Beef: Adds hearty, savory depth; I prefer lean to avoid excess grease.
Diced Yellow Onion: Sweetness and aroma that soften when cooked with beef.
Garlic: Freshly grated for a punchy, aromatic base flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the beef and sauce together.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Marinara Sauce: I like a rich and chunky sauce for texture and tang.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy pockets throughout the bake.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly and forms that iconic stretchy cheesy layer.
Parmesan Cheese: For a sharp, nutty finish on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this baked penne recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I often sneak in extra veggies or swap cheeses depending on what I have on hand, and it always turns out really well.

Vegetable Boost: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to sneak in more nutrition — I’ve done this plenty of times, and it adds great texture.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a subtle heat; I love this when I want the dish to have more character.
Cheese Variety: Swap mozzarella for provolone or add more parmesan for a sharper flavor. Mixing ricotta with a little cottage cheese works in a pinch too!
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta — the bake comes out just as delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with layered cooked penne pasta mixed with browned ground meat and chunky red tomato sauce. On top, several dollops of soft white ricotta cheese and melted light brown cheese are spread unevenly, creating a rich texture. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled throughout the dish, adding small bright green spots. A vintage silver fork hooks some pasta on the left side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling your penne pasta in salted water but take it off the heat about 1-2 minutes before it’s al dente. Trust me, this little trick keeps the pasta from getting mushy once baked in the sauce. Drain and set it aside while you prepare the beef mixture.

Step 2: Sauté Ground Beef and Aromatics

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Crumble the beef as it cooks and season everything with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are translucent and soft, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne back into the skillet with the beef mixture. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything so each piece of pasta is coated in that rich, garlicky sauce. This is when the aromas really start to pull you in — the pasta should look glossy and well-mixed.

Step 4: Layer the Cheeses

Dollop spoonfuls of creamy ricotta all over the top of the pasta. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan evenly across the whole dish. This combo gives you those melty, gooey bites with a little sharpness from the parmesan crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the skillet into your preheated 375°F oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. If you’re craving that golden, crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, then serve hot and dig in!

Top Tip

After making this baked penne countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure it turns out perfectly every time — since nothing beats that ooey-gooey, hearty comfort food feeling.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Taking the pasta off a little early avoids sogginess after baking.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: It saves you from transferring everything and keeps those flavors melding beautifully.
Broil Wisely: Keep a close eye during broiling to get that perfect cheese crust without burning it.
Season Well: Don’t skimp on the salt and Italian herbs — they elevate the sauce and beef mixture significantly.

How to Serve Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and a hint of brightness. Sometimes a little extra parmesan dusted on top doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

Pair this baked penne with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or some garlic bread for an indulgent but balanced meal. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to serve this baked penne in individual ramekins topped with fresh herbs. It makes everyone feel like they’re getting a personal portion of comfort food, which is always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

This baked penne freezes well — I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it lasts up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep the pasta moist, usually about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, the microwave works fine if you cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner substitutions. Just keep an eye on cooking time since they can dry out if overcooked, and consider adding a bit of olive oil to keep the mixture moist.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when baking?

The key is to cook the penne just shy of al dente before baking — usually 1-2 minutes less. This way, it finishes cooking in the oven with the sauce and stays firm without turning mushy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free penne pasta and make sure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain any gluten additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

What’s the best way to get a crispy cheese top?

Broil the baked dish for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but watch it carefully to avoid burning. This will crisp up the mozzarella and parmesan, adding a delightful texture contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is one of those dinners that never disappoints—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal. I love how it brings everyone to the table with a warm smile, and it’s simple enough that you can tweak it to your heart’s content without stress. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a regular fave for you too!