Description
This Baked Penne with Ground Beef is a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make baked pasta dish featuring savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it offers one-pan convenience, customizable variations, and a crowd-pleasing flavor that melds Mediterranean herbs and classic Italian comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces dry penne pasta
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep the texture firm for baking.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner flavor.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the cooked ground beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained penne and the beef-tomato sauce. Toss well so every piece is coated with that rich, flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture, add a layer of shredded mozzarella, then top with the remaining pasta. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let the baked penne rest for a few minutes before serving to settle all those delicious flavors.
Notes
- Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly undercook penne to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Drain excess fat: Properly drain cooked ground beef for a lighter sauce that won’t feel greasy.
- Layer cheese generously: Use a good amount of mozzarella for melty goodness in every bite.
- Rest before serving: Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes post-baking to help it set and enhance flavor melding.
- Fresh herbs boost flavor: Adding fresh basil or parsley before serving adds brightness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg