Name: Baked Penne with Ground Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 340 g penne pasta; 500 g ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, chopped; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Baked Penne with Ground Beef is one of those comforting, cheesy pasta dishes I love to make when I want something hearty and crowd-pleasing. With layers of tender penne, flavorful meat sauce, and gooey cheese, this oven-baked meal brings everyone to the table with eager forks.

Baked Penne with Ground Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines everything I crave in a comfort meal—savory, cheesy, and baked to perfection. It’s easy to assemble, doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, and I can prep it ahead of time. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or for enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

340 g penne pasta
500 g minced beef
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
3 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella, grated
½ cup Parmesan, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper

Directions

I start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, then I drain it and set it aside.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Once the beef is cooked, I stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, letting it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld.
In a small bowl, I mix the ricotta cheese with the Parmesan, a bit of salt, and pepper.
I lightly grease a baking dish, then layer it with half the pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, then dollops of the ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. I repeat the layers and finish with the remaining mozzarella on top.
I bake it in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. From start to finish, it takes around 45 minutes—20 minutes for prep and 25 minutes to bake. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier kick. I’ve also added sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to sneak in some veggies. For a creamier version, I mix a little béchamel sauce into the ricotta. And when I want a sharper cheese flavor, I use provolone or fontina in place of mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I cover the dish or transfer the pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop a portion in the microwave or reheat it in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through. If it seems dry, I add a splash of marinara or water before reheating.

FAQs

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

If I don’t have ricotta on hand, I use cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and a splash of milk for a similar texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, I bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes. I freeze the unbaked or baked dish tightly wrapped. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it until heated through.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Definitely. I’ve used ziti, rigatoni, and even fusilli. I just make sure it’s a sturdy pasta that holds up well to baking.

How do I keep it from drying out?

I make sure there’s enough sauce in the layers and cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking, then uncover to brown the cheese.

Conclusion

Baked Penne with Ground Beef is my go-to comfort food that delivers every time. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit around the dinner table. Whether I’m feeding a family or just craving a cheesy pasta bake, this dish never disappoints.