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 wonderfully comforting about a bubbling, cheesy casserole straight from the oven, isn't there? This Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe combines hearty flavors and gooey cheese into one satisfying dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

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 it never disappoints. It’s that kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with a smile and leaves you feeling cozy and content after just a few bites.

Simple, honest ingredients: It uses pantry staples and fresh basics, making it easy to shop for and prepare.
Balanced flavors and textures: Rich ground beef, creamy ricotta, and stringy mozzarella create a delicious harmony.
One-pan meal: Minimal dishes thanks to cooking and baking right in your skillet or casserole dish.
Family friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of this cheesy, saucy pasta bake.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part beautifully in this dish, with flavors that boost each other and textures that keep every bite interesting. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.

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: Its tube shape holds sauce perfectly and it cooks up with just the right bite, especially when cooked slightly under al dente before baking.
Lean Ground Beef: Adds hearty, savory depth without too much grease; lean beef helps keep the texture just right.
Diced Yellow Onion: Offers sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked down, balancing the richness of meat and cheese.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with warmth and aroma; I like to grate it for maximum flavor.
Italian Seasoning: This blend brings an herby, fragrant punch that ties the sauce and meat together.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning, it enhances all other flavors.
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality jarred sauce works great here, lending tangy tomato notes that cut through the cheese.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta adds a wonderful richness and softness to contrast the penne’s bite.
Mozzarella Cheese: Its gooey, stretchy meltiness turns the baked top into a cheesy dream.
Parmesan Cheese: Just a bit sprinkled on top adds sharpness and a gorgeous golden crust once baked.

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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 my favorite things about this baked penne is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak it based on what you have or your flavor cravings — which means it can be a new go-to for years to come.

Variation: I once swapped out ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, meatier twist that everyone loved. You can also try ground turkey for a lighter option.
Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to sneak in extra nutrition.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce gives a lovely gentle heat.
Cheese swap: Mix in provolone or fontina for a more complex cheesy flavor.

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 the Penne to Just Before Al Dente

Start by boiling salted water and cooking the penne until it’s about 1-2 minutes shy of al dente. This is key because it’ll finish cooking and soak up flavors in the oven without turning mushy. Drain and set it aside while you prep the sauce and meat.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Onion and Garlic

In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Crumble in your ground beef, add diced onion and grated garlic. Season it with kosher salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. This builds that deep flavor foundation.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Marinara Sauce

Once your meat mixture is perfect, stir in the cooked penne and pour in the marinara sauce. Mix everything well so that every piece of pasta is coated in that tangy, savory sauce. This is where you want to taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Add Ricotta, Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan, then Bake

Dollop ricotta cheese in small spoonfuls evenly over the pasta mixture. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan on top—this combo will bake into a beautifully melty and golden crust. Transfer your skillet to a 375°F oven and bake for about 20 minutes. For the ultimate golden cheese crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot

Once out of the oven, scatter chopped fresh parsley across the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it hot straight from the skillet for that homey, comforting feel that fills the room.

Top Tip

I’ve made this baked penne dozens of times, and a few small tricks have made all the difference in perfecting it. These tips took me from “pretty good” to “this is a family favorite!”

Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking it just shy of al dente ensures it won’t become mushy after baking.
Use an oven-safe skillet: It saves you from extra dishes. If you don’t have one, transfer everything into a casserole dish before baking.
Broil briefly: Adding a quick broil on top gives the cheese the perfect bubbly, golden crust.
Season as you go: I always taste the sauce and pasta mixture before baking to adjust salt or seasoning — it really boosts flavor.

How to Serve Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a parsley fan—it adds a fresh pop that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I also toss on a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or extra parmesan if we’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

Serve this hearty pasta bake with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic roasted broccoli. A warm crusty bread is always welcomed here too—ideal for sopping up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this in pretty individual ramekins for personal portions—they look so charming and neat. You can also layer the pasta in a clear glass baking dish to show off the colorful layers of sauce and cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling to room temperature, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 4 days. When you’re ready, just reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

This baked penne freezes wonderfully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays surprisingly good, and it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent excessive drying, around 20 minutes or until heated through. The microwave works too—just cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. This helps the flavors develop even more.

What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?

I recommend lean ground beef (around 90% lean) to keep the dish from becoming greasy, but still flavorful and tender.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne works well because it holds sauce, but rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini can be great substitutes.

How do I get the cheese on top perfectly golden?

Broil the baked penne for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn. This quick blast of intense heat will give you that ideal bubbly, crispy cheese crust.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward but so satisfying, and with just a little practice, you’ll have it mastered for busy nights, family dinners, or anytime you want that perfect comfort-food fix. Trust me, once you’ve made this your own little kitchen staple, it’ll become the one people ask you to bring to potlucks or make again and again.