Description
This easy and comforting Baked Penne recipe features tender penne pasta mixed with flavorful ground beef, marinara sauce, and Italian seasonings, all topped with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Baked to perfection for a cheesy, bubbly finish, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 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
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F to prepare for baking the penne dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes less than al dente to ensure it finishes cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Aromatics: Heat a little olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Crumble the beef as it cooks and season with kosher salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is fully browned and onions are softened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne and marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated with sauce.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses across the top.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and heated through. For an extra crispy, golden cheese top, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Using an oven-safe skillet avoids extra dishes and simplifies the baking process.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner meat option if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
