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 incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta dish fresh from the oven, and this Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe hits all those cozy notes. Rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella come together in a way that’s both easy to make and irresistibly satisfying.

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 can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to this baked penne when I needed a crowd-pleaser that feels homemade but doesn’t take all day. It’s perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Simple, wholesome ingredients: It combines everyday pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
One-pan convenience: Using an oven-safe skillet means minimal cleanup—one of my favorite kitchen wins!
Customizable comfort food: The layers of cheese and meat sauce make it endlessly adaptable for different tastes.
Perfectly balanced flavors: Italian seasoning and fresh garlic blend with creamy ricotta and sharp parmesan for a rich, satisfying dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here is playing its part to create that perfect baked pasta magic. From the sturdy penne that holds onto sauce, to the creamy cheeses adding richness, these choices make throwing this together a total breeze.

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 captures sauce inside, so every bite is flavorful.
Ground beef: I use lean for less grease but still rich flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that unmistakable Italian aroma.
Italian seasoning: A simple blend that ties all the flavors together nicely.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming.
Marinara sauce: Use a good quality jar or homemade if you have it – it’s the heart of the dish!
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it creates luscious pockets in the bake.
Mozzarella cheese: For that classic melty, stretchy cheese pull.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and a golden crust when baked.
Olive oil: To sauté aromatics and brown the beef without sticking.

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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 love tweaking this baked penne depending on what’s in my fridge. You can easily add veggies, swap out cheeses, or even try ground turkey for a lighter twist — feel free to make it your own!

Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers mix in beautifully and boost the nutrition.
Cheese swaps: Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or adding a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for freshness.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick if you like some heat.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the ground beef for a hearty veggie version; just increase the cheese or add plant-based protein.

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: Get the pasta just right

Start by boiling your penne in salted water, but here’s my trick: cook it 1-2 minutes less than what the package says for al dente. This way, it won't get mushy once baked. Drain and set it aside while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Brown the beef and build flavor

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Crumble the beef as it cooks, seasoning it with kosher salt, pepper, and that lovely Italian seasoning blend. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft — the aroma will have your kitchen singing by this point.

Step 3: Bring it all together in the skillet

To the browned beef mixture, stir in the cooked penne and pour in your marinara sauce. Mix everything well so each piece of pasta is coated generously. This step is where all the magic layers start to build.

Step 4: Cheese it up and get baking

Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top. Slide your skillet right into the oven preheated to 375°F and bake for about 20 minutes. If you want that gorgeous bubbly and slightly crisp cheesy crust, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes—but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Once out of the oven, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and a hint of fresh herb flavor. Serve it hot and watch everyone dig in happily.

Top Tip

Over the years, I learned a few little tweaks that really elevate this baked penne from good to unforgettable. I want to share these friendly tips so you get the best results every time.

Don’t overcook pasta: Undercook your penne slightly since it will bake further; mushy pasta is a common pitfall.
Use an oven-safe skillet: It saves time and dishes — no need to transfer your mixture elsewhere before baking.
Broil for texture: Turning on the broiler at the end gives that irresistible golden crust.
Let it rest: After baking, let your dish sit for a few minutes before serving so it sets and slices cleanly.

How to Serve Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I stick with fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness, but you can also sprinkle extra parmesan or add a drizzle of good olive oil. A few red pepper flakes make a nice kick if guests enjoy a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

A simple crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread is always a hit too — the perfect way to soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for a special occasion, try layering it in individual ramekins before baking for a fancy twist. I’ve also added a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan on top for extra crunch and wow-factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or sauce to keep the pasta from drying out, then warm it gently on the stove or microwave.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! I let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop servings in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel or heat gently on the stove with a splash of water. For an extra treat, a few minutes under the broiler can bring back that fresh-from-the-oven crust.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works great for holding the sauce in its tubes, rigatoni or ziti are excellent alternatives with similar texture and baking performance.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day before baking. Just cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated, then bake fresh when ready. This makes busy weeknights much easier!

What’s the best way to avoid dry pasta in baked dishes?

Undercook your pasta slightly before baking, and be sure to mix it well with enough sauce—both are key to preventing dryness after baking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the ground beef and increase the cheese and vegetables. You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or even lentils to keep it hearty and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those meals that feels special without requiring complicated steps, and it always brings people around the table for a happy, cozy dinner. Give it a go—you might find it becomes your go-to comfort food too!