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 creamy, cheesy pasta bake that hugs you from the inside out. This Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe marries hearty ground beef with gooey cheeses and a rich marinara sauce for a meal that’s pure satisfaction, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

A black cast iron skillet filled with baked pasta, showing about three layers: at the bottom is a mix of yellow penne pasta and chunky red tomato sauce with browned ground meat, the middle layer has melted golden-brown cheese spread unevenly, and dollops of creamy white ricotta cheese are scattered on top. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the entire dish, adding fresh color. The skillet sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and some sprigs of fresh parsley are arranged around it. A beige cloth with a striped pattern is casually draped in the upper right corner. 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 genuinely love how this dish combines ease and flavor in one skillet. You get the joy of a baked pasta casserole with minimal fuss and maximum cheesy goodness. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that I find myself returning to again and again.

One-Pan Wonder: You cook the beef and toss everything together in one oven-safe skillet for less cleanup.
Perfectly Balanced: The ricotta adds creaminess, while mozzarella and parmesan offer that irresistible golden cheesy crust.
Quick to Prep: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect when time is tight but you still want homemade flavor.
Flexible and Familiar: Everyone loves pasta and cheese, making it a comforting choice for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a vital role. From tender pasta that holds sauce beautifully to ground beef that brings savory depth, through to the three cheeses that deliver creamy textures and a luscious golden crust. These simple ingredients come together in harmony.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked penne pasta, a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small heap of diced yellow onion, two whole garlic cloves with papery skin, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of Italian seasoning mix, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese on a simple white plate, a small pile of shredded mozzarella cheese on a white ceramic dish, a small pile of shredded parmesan cheese on a matching white plate, two whole brown eggs with clean shells placed neatly to one side, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a simple clean white ceramic surface, no duplicates, no packaging, no utensils, no bottles, no cutting boards, no napkins, placed 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 is perfect for trapping sauce and cheese inside, giving every bite that satisfying flavor.
Ground Beef: Lean beef adds hearty protein and meaty richness without excess fat.
Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base that balances the meatiness.
Garlic: Minced or grated for that punch of savory aroma, it brightens the overall taste.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity to the sauce.
Kosher Salt: Essential to bring out all the natural flavors without overpowering.
Marinara Sauce: The heart of this dish — choose a good quality sauce with balanced acidity and herbs.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it adds luxurious texture without overpowering the other cheeses.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create that stretchy, gooey layer everyone loves.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish and helps develop a golden crust.

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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 easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to sneak in some veggies, swap meats, or play with cheeses, it all works beautifully. Feel free to make it your own!

Veggie Boost: I sometimes toss in chopped spinach or mushrooms with the beef to sneak in extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
Meat Swap: Ground turkey or Italian sausage both work if you want a slightly different protein twist.
Cheese Variations: Using a sharp provolone or fontina can give a deeper cheese flavor if you prefer.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes when cooking the beef for a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.

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

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with layered cooked penne pasta mixed with browned ground meat and chunky red tomato sauce. On top, several dollops of soft white ricotta cheese and melted light brown cheese are spread unevenly, creating a rich texture. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled throughout the dish, adding small bright green spots. A vintage silver fork hooks some pasta on the left side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling your penne in salted water. Here’s the trick I learned: cook it until it’s *just* shy of al dente — about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. This way, it finishes cooking perfectly in the oven without getting mushy. Drain and set it aside while you cook the beef.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef with Aromatics

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onions, and garlic. Crumble the beef into small pieces and season it right away with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until beef loses its pink color and the onions soften, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Pasta and Sauce

Add that perfectly cooked penne right into the skillet with the beef mixture. Pour in the marinara sauce and gently stir it all together so every piece is well coated. This makes sure flavor goes everywhere, and your bake is evenly saucy.

Step 4: Cheese It Up and Bake

Dollop ricotta cheese across the top — these little pockets of creamy delight are the secret to a luscious bite. Then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over everything. Pop the skillet into your preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 20 minutes, and if you want an extra golden, bubbly top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. Serve it steaming hot and watch everyone dig in!

Top Tip

Through making this Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few small tricks that make all the difference between good and great.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Leaving it slightly underdone before baking prevents it from becoming mushy—trust me, I learned this the hard way!
Season Early: Season your beef mixture as soon as it hits the pan to build deep, balanced flavor.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: It’s a game changer for tossing together and going straight into the oven without extra dishes.
Broil at the End: Those last few minutes under the broiler give you irresistible crispy, bubbly cheese that makes this bake truly special.

How to Serve Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for chopped parsley because it brightens the dish and contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese. Sometimes, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil also adds a nice touch of freshness and heat.

Side Dishes

This baked penne pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or rustic garlic bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus also balance out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I like serving it directly in the skillet at the table, letting everyone scoop right out. Another time, I baked individual portions in small ramekins—super cute and great for portion control or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps delicious for up to 4 days. I’ve found letting it come to room temperature before reheating helps maintain texture and flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The flavors hold up well, making it a perfect meal prep solution.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven to keep that baked texture intact—350°F for about 15-20 minutes covered with foil to avoid drying out. Microwaving works too, but the oven gives the best result.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works beautifully because its shape traps sauce, rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli are great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can swap regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to cook it just under al dente like the original recipe suggests to keep the texture perfect.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare it through the assembly stage, cover well, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s going in cold from the fridge.

What’s the best cheese combination if I don’t have ricotta?

If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese is a decent substitute for creaminess. Alternatively, extra mozzarella mixed with a bit of cream cheese can give a similar texture and richness.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it always delivers that cozy, satisfying feeling with very little stress. Whether you're feeding family, entertaining friends, or just craving something hearty, this recipe will become one you turn to time and again. Give it a try—you'll find it becomes a favorite too.