Description
This classic Baked Penne recipe features tender penne pasta combined with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses. Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly top, it’s an easy and comforting Italian-inspired main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 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
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water for 1-2 minutes less than al dente to ensure it finishes cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: Heat a little olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic, crumbling the beef as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until beef is fully browned and onions are softened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the browned meat mixture. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the top, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over everything. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Broil for Crispiness: To achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping, broil the pasta for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the baked penne hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Leftovers keep for up to 4 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Use lean ground beef for less fat, or substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, assemble in a baking dish instead.
- For a vegetarian option, omit meat and add sautéed mushrooms or vegetables instead.
- Broiling time may vary depending on your oven – watch carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
