Description
This hearty Baked Penne recipe combines tender penne pasta with savory ground beef, aromatic onions, and a rich blend of marinara and cheeses. Baked to perfection with a crispy golden cheese topping, it's a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
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 the oven to 375° F to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water for 10-11 minutes, about 1-2 minutes short of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: 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 and season with kosher salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat mixture along with the marinara sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Cheese Layers: Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top.
- Bake the Dish: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispier cheese topping, broil on high for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dish.
- Broiling at the end adds a delicious crispy cheese crust; watch closely to prevent burning.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or extra vegetables.
- Make sure the skillet used for cooking is oven-safe to allow for seamless baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
