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 layers of pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese all baked together in one dish. This Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is exactly that—a perfect hug in a casserole form that’s sure to become your weeknight favorite.

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 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

I’ve made this baked penne countless times, and honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. What’s special here is the combination of simple ingredients that come together into something rich, cheesy, and hearty without a fuss.

Comfort food classic: It’s that perfect mix of pasta, meat, and melty cheese that feels like a warm kitchen hug.
Quick prep, big payoff: You spend just a bit of time getting everything ready, then the oven does the magic for you.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike gobble this up, often asking for seconds.
Flexible for your tastes: Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or herbs, making it your own special dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a key role: penne holds the sauce perfectly, ground beef gives it hearty substance, and the mix of cheeses brings that luscious, gooey melt. Plus, Italian seasoning adds subtle herb flavor that ties everything together. Here are some quick shopping tips to get the best results!

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: Choose a good-quality semolina penne; its ridges hold onto sauce beautifully.
Ground beef: I like lean beef to keep it from being too greasy, but you can go with 80/20 if you want more flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth, diced small so it melts into the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh is best here—grated or minced to release maximum flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that elevates the sauce.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the beef mixture properly.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jar or homemade sauce; a good tomato base is key.
Ricotta cheese: Offers creamy pockets throughout the bake—don’t skip it!
Mozzarella cheese: The stretchy, melty cheese everyone loves on baked pasta.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch on top and complements the mozzarella perfectly.

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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

This is where things get fun! I often swap out part of the ground beef for Italian sausage when I want a little extra spice. You can also switch up the cheese combo or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a twist. Make the Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe truly yours!

Variation: I once added roasted red peppers and fresh basil—gave it a really fresh, vibrant flavor that elevated the whole dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese 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 pasta just shy of al dente

Boil your penne in salted water but stop a minute or two before it’s fully al dente. This way, it won't get mushy during baking. Drain it well and set aside while you prep the meat.

Step 2: Brown the beef with onion and garlic

Heat a splash of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, diced onion, and grated garlic. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, and cook until the beef is browned and onions are soft—about 7-8 minutes.

Step 3: Combine pasta and marinara sauce

Add the drained penne right into your skillet with the beef. Pour over the marinara sauce and stir until everything is well coated in that rich tomato goodness.

Step 4: Add the cheeses and bake

Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta evenly on top, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses all over. Now slide the skillet into your preheated 375°F oven and bake for about 20 minutes. If you want that perfect golden, bubbly cheese crust, turn the broiler on for the last 2-3 minutes—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 5: Garnish and serve hot

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while it’s hot and cheesy.

Top Tip

From my many times testing this recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks to help you nail it every time. These little tips have saved me from overcooked pasta and lackluster cheese topping more than once!

Stop pasta early: Cooking the penne just shy of al dente prevents mushiness after baking since it will finish cooking in the oven.
Use an oven-safe skillet: This saves you from transferring everything and losing any tasty bits stuck to the pan.
Broil at the end: Broiling only for 2-3 minutes gives that irresistible golden cheese crust you want without drying things out.
Don’t skimp on cheese: The ricotta adds creaminess, mozzarella brings melt, and parmesan finishes with a flavorful punch—together they’re unbeatable.

How to Serve Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with chopped fresh parsley. It brightens the dish and adds a bit of freshness. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top, too, because who says no to more cheese?

Side Dishes

This baked penne pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted veggies. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread if you want to double down on comforting carbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered it in a pretty ceramic casserole dish and topped with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes. Kids love it when I sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella on top before baking for that ooey-gooey effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep nicely for up to 4 days. It reheats amazingly well, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this baked penne both cooked and uncooked. For freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When I freeze it uncooked, I prepare everything, cover the skillet with foil, and freeze—then bake straight from frozen, adding extra bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, I either microwave individual portions or warm the whole dish at 350°F covered with foil until heated through (about 20 minutes). Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella on top before reheating helps freshen up the cheese melt.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this baked penne recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great because its shape holds sauce well, rigatoni, ziti, or even shells would work nicely as well.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

The key is to cook the pasta just shy of al dente before baking. It will finish cooking in the oven, so stopping early ensures it maintains a nice texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant sautéed in its place. You can also add plant-based meat alternatives if you like.

How long can leftovers be stored safely?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing for up to 3 months works well.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s both simple and satisfying. I hope you find this recipe as delightful and comforting as I do—it’s perfect for feeding family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself. Give it a try and make it your own—you’ll be so glad you did!