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 dish that’s warm, cheesy, and just a little bit saucy. This Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe hits all those notes perfectly—creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and hearty ground beef tossed with penne pasta, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a total crowd-pleaser you’ll find yourself making again and again.

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

This baked pasta brings together layers of creamy cheese and savory beef with each comforting bite. It’s one of those dishes that’s surprisingly quick to throw together but feels like an indulgent, homemade meal. Plus, it’s adaptable, forgiving, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or prepping ahead for busy nights.

Hands-off yet impressive: You can prepare it quickly, then let the oven do the magic.
Flavor-packed: Italian seasoning, garlic, and three cheeses create a rich and satisfying taste.
One-dish comfort: It’s all about that saucy, cheesy, meaty goodness in one skillet—less cleanup, more yum.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters approve, and leftovers heat up beautifully the next day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a role in building that rich, balanced flavor and texture. When you combine the perfectly cooked penne with the seasoned ground beef and a blend of cheeses, you get a luscious, creamy dish that’s anything but boring. Here’s a closer look:

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 traps sauce and cheese inside, giving every bite great texture.
Lean ground beef: Provides savory depth without too much grease—lean is key for keeping things balanced.
Diced yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and aroma once softened.
Garlic: A must for that classic Italian kick—grate or mince it fresh for the best flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that tie all the flavors together.
Kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient without overpowering.
Marinara sauce: The base of the dish’s sauciness; go for a good-quality store-bought or homemade sauce.
Ricotta cheese: Brings creamy richness and a smooth texture that complements the pasta beautifully.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully and gives that gooey, cheesy pull we all love.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty note that finishes the dish perfectly.

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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

While I stick pretty close to this classic combination, I’ve played around with a few tweaks that make the dish my own or adapt it to what’s on hand. Don’t hesitate to personalize it—you’ll find it’s incredibly forgiving!

Variation: Sometimes I swap ground beef for Italian sausage or even ground turkey for a lighter version, and honestly, it’s just as delicious.
Vegetable addition: Tossing in sautéed mushrooms or spinach gives a nice veggie boost without stealing the show.
Spicy kick: For a little heat, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the beef—it livens things up wonderfully.
Cheese swaps: Feel free to mix in provolone or fontina if you want a slightly different cheese profile.

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: Prep your pasta perfectly

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne just shy of al dente—about 1-2 minutes less than package directions say. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce while baking, so you want it a bit firmer to avoid mushiness.

Step 2: Brown the beef & soften onions

Heat some olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Crumble the beef as it cooks, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are translucent—this builds a savory base that’s hard to beat.

Step 3: Combine pasta and sauce in skillet

Drain the pasta and toss it directly into the skillet with the beef. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. This step locks in the flavors and makes sure every bite is saucy.

Step 4: Add cheese & bake to bubbly perfection

Dollop ricotta cheese over the top in little mounds, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly across everything. Pop the skillet into a 375°F oven for 20 minutes. If you want that golden, crispy cheese crust, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Finish with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness, then serve it while it’s hot and melty—the perfect comfort meal!

Top Tip

I’ve found that cooking your pasta just a bit firm, then finishing it in the sauce during baking, really helps the texture. Plus, adding the ricotta in dollops rather than mixing it in keeps pockets of creamy richness that make the dish extra indulgent.

Perfect pasta texture: Don’t overcook before baking—slightly undercooked pasta means a better final bite.
Layer cheese thoughtfully: Dolloping ricotta creates creamy pockets instead of a uniform layer.
Broil carefully: The last few minutes under the broiler add gorgeous browning but watch closely to avoid burning.
Use an oven-safe skillet: Saves you from extra dishes and lets you go straight from stovetop to oven.

How to Serve Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh parsley over the top—that little burst of color brightens the plate and adds a fresh note. Sometimes I use basil, especially in summer, for an aromatic twist. If I’m feeling fancy, a grating of extra parmesan on serving plates never hurts either.

Side Dishes

This baked penne pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a classic companion that helps soak up all that extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for an unexpected crunch. Serving it in individual-sized ramekins or mini skillets makes it feel extra cozy and fun, especially when you want to impress guests with minimal extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. It will keep well for up to 4 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this baked penne several times with great results. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or freeze the fully baked dish. When sealed well, it keeps up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat covered in the microwave or oven to retain moisture. I usually add a splash of water or extra marinara before warming in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering the dish with foil to prevent drying out. It tastes just as good as the first time!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding sauce and cheese, rigatoni, ziti, or even shells work beautifully. Just adjust boiling time accordingly.

Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before baking?

Yes, browning the ground beef first builds flavor and ensures even cooking without excess grease mixing into the sauce.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite plant-based protein. You can also add extra cheese or beans for richness and substance.

How do I prevent the baked cheese topping from burning?

Keep a close eye if you’re broiling at the end. Broil for only 2-3 minutes and position your oven rack a bit further from the heat source to get a golden top without burning.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe has been my go-to for cozy family dinners and those nights when I want something hearty but fuss-free. It’s a classic flavor combination that never gets old, and the ease of preparation keeps me coming back. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—it’s like a warm hug on a plate that you’re going to love making just as much as eating!