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Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Piper
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

This Baked Penne recipe is a hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta combined with a savory ground beef and tomato marinara sauce, topped with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheesy crust, it's an easy and delicious meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Meat

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced

Seasonings & Sauce

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F to prepare for baking the dish.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water but cook it 1-2 minutes less than al dente. Then drain the pasta and set it aside to use later.
  3. Cook Beef Mixture: Heat a little olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Crumble the beef and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is thoroughly cooked and the onions are softened.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the beef mixture. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce.
  5. Add Cheeses and Bake: Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. For a crispier cheesy topping, switch to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve the baked penne hot for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • Leftover baked penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
  • To make the top extra crispy, broil only for 2-3 minutes at the end instead of baking longer.
  • Use a large oven-safe skillet to facilitate cooking and baking in one dish, making cleanup easier.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 490 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

Find it online: https://piperplates.com/baked-penne-with-ground-beef-and-cheese-recipe/