Name: Cheesy Baked Penne with Ground Beef 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 incredibly comforting about bubbling cheese and hearty ground beef nestled in penne pasta. This Cheesy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner that turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser. It’s cheesy, saucy, and hands-down delicious—trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again.

A round black skillet filled with baked pasta made of orange penne noodles mixed with a chunky red tomato sauce and browned ground meat. Large dollops of white ricotta cheese sit on top, partially melted and covered with melted golden-brown mozzarella cheese. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the dish, adding fresh green color. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with some fresh green parsley sprigs around it and a white cloth nearby. 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 Cheesy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe feels like a hug on a plate. Every time I make it, the house fills with that mouthwatering aroma of simmered beef and garlic—such a cozy, welcoming scent. What’s great is it’s so straightforward but produces an impressive dinner, whether for family or friends.

All-in-one dish: You cook the pasta, beef, and bake everything together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
Perfectly balanced flavors: The seasoning blends with tangy marinara and creamy cheeses for that classic Italian taste you’ll crave.
Customizable comfort: Whether you like it extra cheesy or with a bit more spice, this recipe adapts easily to your preferences.
Family favorite: It’s kid-friendly, yet satisfying enough for adults, making it a staple in my kitchen rotation.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part in creating that classic baked pasta experience. I always opt for lean ground beef to keep things hearty without too much grease, and fresh garlic really punches up the flavor. Choosing good-quality marinara sauce saves time and brings that delicious tomato base to life.

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked penne pasta, a handful of fresh ground beef shaped loosely, a small pile of diced yellow onion, two fresh garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, a small white bowl of creamy ricotta cheese, another small white bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, a third small white bowl containing shredded parmesan cheese, and a small white bowl with mixed Italian seasoning and a pinch of kosher salt placed beside them, all arranged symmetrically 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: The ridges hold onto the sauce and cheese perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Lean ground beef: Adds meaty richness without overwhelming grease or heaviness.
Diced yellow onion: Sweats down for sweetness and depth, balancing the savory beef.
Garlic: Freshly minced or grated garlic gives a robust aroma and essential flavor lift.
Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend adds fragrant, warm notes and complements the marinara sauce.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning throughout and bringing flavors together.
Marinara sauce: The saucy heart of this dish; opt for a flavorful brand or homemade for best results.
Ricotta cheese: Silky texture adds creaminess in pockets, balancing the meat and sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and creates that irresistible bubbly top layer.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty brightness on top to finish the dish.

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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

I’ve taken some liberties with this dish depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family prefers. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to your taste—this recipe is a flexible canvas.

Variation: I’ve swapped ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more intense flavor—totally worth trying if you want a different twist.
Dairy-Free: Using dairy-free cheese alternatives and skipping ricotta works well for friends with dietary restrictions.
Vegetarian: Swap meat for mushrooms or a plant-based ground crumble and add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini—just as satisfying!
Spicy Kick: Adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce amps up the flavor for fans of heat.

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

This close-up image shows a bowl filled with layered baked pasta. At the base, there is rigatoni pasta coated in a chunky red tomato sauce with visible pieces of browned ground meat mixed throughout. Large dollops of white creamy ricotta cheese are scattered on top, some slightly melted with golden-brown edges. Shredded melted cheese stretches between the rigatoni, adding a gooey layer. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the dish, adding color contrast. A metal fork is partially sunk into the pasta on the left side of the bowl. The bowl is white, sitting on a white marbled surface with a soft natural light illuminating the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling your penne in salted water, but don't let it get fully al dente—about 1-2 minutes shy is perfect since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. This little trick keeps your pasta from turning mushy after baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and onions soften, about 6-8 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation your baked penne will rest on.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheeses

Add your cooked pasta right into the skillet with the beef mixture, then pour in the marinara sauce. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated. Next, dollop the ricotta liberally over the top, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly all over.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Cheesy Perfection

Place the skillet into your preheated 375°F oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. To get that golden, bubbly crust I live for, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye so the cheese doesn’t burn. The result is that irresistible crisp cheese topping that makes this dish feel so special.

Top Tip

From cooking this recipe many times, I’ve learned little tweaks that make a big difference in texture and flavor. These tips have saved me from common pitfalls and helped me nail that perfect baked penne every time.

Under-cook Pasta Slightly: Pasta keeps cooking in the oven, so stopping short prevents it from becoming mushy.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: I prefer using a cast iron skillet to sauté and bake—that way, no transfers and less mess.
Broil at the End: The broil step crisps the cheese topping beautifully but watch it carefully; it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Season Generously: Don't skimp on salt and Italian seasoning—they elevate the whole dish.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few flakes of red pepper if I want a bit more heat. These finishing touches make the dish look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Simple green salads with vinaigrette or garlic bread work beautifully alongside this rich pasta bake. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus bring a nice contrast and make the meal feel balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this dish in individual ramekins for a personal touch. It’s fun to set the table with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil leaves, turning a cozy meal into something a little festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the fridge. They last up to 4 days and keep their flavor surprisingly well. When you’re ready to eat, bringing it back to life is easy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this baked penne multiple times—just freeze in portion-sized airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but the oven maintains that lovely baked texture and cheese melt.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?

Definitely! While penne holds sauce beautifully, rigatoni, ziti, or even shells work well. Just make sure to slightly undercook the pasta before baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are great alternatives. Just adjust seasoning accordingly to complement the meat you choose.

What kind of marinara sauce do you recommend?

I prefer a good-quality store-bought marinara with simple ingredients or homemade if you have the time. Avoid overly sweet sauces to keep the balance right.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cheesy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe always brings back fond memories of cozy family dinners and the joy of sharing comfort food that satisfies. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss recipe that delivers impressive flavors every time. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s such a favorite in my home, and I’m confident it’ll become one of yours too.