There's something incredibly comforting about the melty, saucy goodness of a classic pasta bake. This Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe has all the rich flavors and gooey cheese you want, plus it’s so straightforward, you’ll want to make it again and again.

A round black skillet filled with baked pasta made of orange penne noodles mixed with a chunky red tomato sauce and browned ground meat. Large dollops of white ricotta cheese sit on top, partially melted and covered with melted golden-brown mozzarella cheese. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the dish, adding fresh green color. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with some fresh green parsley sprigs around it and a white cloth nearby. 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 can’t tell you how many times I've turned to this baked penne dish when I needed a reliable, crowd-pleasing dinner. The blend of ground beef and cheeses makes each bite full of comforting flavor, and it’s just the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.

Simple yet tasty: You probably already have these pantry staples on hand, making it a perfect weeknight winner.
One-pan ease: Cooking the beef and pasta in one skillet saves you time and mess.
Cheesy perfection: The layering of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan creates that irresistible gooey crust.
Customizable comfort: It’s easy to swap or add ingredients based on what you love or have in your fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this baked penne recipe plays a role in creating that classic, satisfying flavor combo. Choosing the right pasta shape and balance of cheeses makes all the difference.

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked penne pasta, a handful of fresh ground beef shaped loosely, a small pile of diced yellow onion, two fresh garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, a small white bowl of creamy ricotta cheese, another small white bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, a third small white bowl containing shredded parmesan cheese, and a small white bowl with mixed Italian seasoning and a pinch of kosher salt placed beside them, all arranged symmetrically 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 hollow shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, making every forkful flavorful.
Lean ground beef: Adds hearty richness without excess grease; lean is best to keep it balanced.
Diced yellow onion: Gives a touch of sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Garlic: Minced or grated garlic infuses the dish with its classic aromatic punch.
Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that brings that signature Italian flavor without fuss.
Kosher salt: Essential to season and elevate all the other ingredients.
Marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, providing tangy tomato flavor that ties everything.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and softness to contrast the tangy sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts gorgeously for that stringy, gooey texture we all crave.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it becomes golden and crispy in the oven for extra flavor.

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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

I love playing around with this baked penne recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in. You can easily make it your own without losing any of the comforting magic.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is swapping ground beef for Italian sausage for an extra punch of flavor—I highly recommend trying that at least once.

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

This close-up image shows a bowl filled with layered baked pasta. At the base, there is rigatoni pasta coated in a chunky red tomato sauce with visible pieces of browned ground meat mixed throughout. Large dollops of white creamy ricotta cheese are scattered on top, some slightly melted with golden-brown edges. Shredded melted cheese stretches between the rigatoni, adding a gooey layer. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the dish, adding color contrast. A metal fork is partially sunk into the pasta on the left side of the bowl. The bowl is white, sitting on a white marbled surface with a soft natural light illuminating the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook pasta just short of al dente

When I cook the penne, I set my timer for 1-2 minutes less than the package says for al dente. This ensures it finishes cooking perfectly in the oven without turning mushy. Don’t forget to salt your pasta water well—it adds subtle flavor that makes a big difference.

Step 2: Sauté beef, onions, and garlic

I heat a touch of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Crumbling the beef as it cooks helps it brown evenly and absorb seasoning. I like seasoning with kosher salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning early on so the flavors really develop.

Step 3: Combine with marinara and pasta

Once the beef is cooked through and the onions are soft, I add the drained pasta right into the skillet with the marinara sauce. Stirring everything together gently makes sure every piece of penne gets coated in the delicious sauce–this step is key for flavor balance!

Step 4: Layer the cheeses and bake

Now comes the cheesy magic. I dollop spoonfuls of ricotta over the pasta, then sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top. Sliding the skillet right into the preheated 375° F oven, I bake it for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. For a final crispy cheesy crust, I love broiling it 2-3 minutes at the very end—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 5: Garnish and serve hot

Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish—it adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness that balances the rich flavors. Then, I serve it straight from the skillet, making dinner as cozy and inviting as possible.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that small details really elevate the Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe. Here are my best tips to help you get it just right every time.

Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking it just shy of al dente means it won’t get mushy during baking.
Use an oven-safe skillet: This saves dishes and lets you go straight from stove to oven without mess.
Broil for crispy cheese: The last 2-3 minutes under the broiler create that irresistible golden crust—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Season the beef well: I always add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking the beef to get the flavor foundation just right.

How to Serve Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with fresh chopped parsley because it adds a bright note and looks pretty on top. Sometimes I throw on a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if we want a little heat. Grated extra parmesan on the side is always a welcome option too.

Side Dishes

To balance this hearty baked penne, I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread on the side makes the meal feel like a complete Italian feast. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans complement it perfectly as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this in individual ramekins for pretty personal servings—everyone loves having their own cheesy penne. Another fun idea is layering it with colored pasta shapes or mixing in some roasted veggies for added color and texture to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked penne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well, and the flavors actually taste even better after a day or two as everything has a chance to meld.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I like to portion it out into freezer-safe containers for quick weeknight meals. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and you’ll be surprised at how fresh it tastes.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350° F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave portions, but the oven method helps maintain that crispy cheese topping texture I love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal because of its shape that holds the sauce well, you can use rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the pasta type.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to achieve a similar hearty texture. You can add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor.

How do I know when the baked penne is done?

You’ll see bubbling sauce around the edges and a golden brown, slightly crisp cheese topping. The internal temperature should be hot throughout, usually after baking 20 minutes at 375° F.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the components ahead. Cook the pasta and beef mixture, then assemble everything in the skillet but hold off on adding the cheeses on top until you’re ready to bake. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe has a special place in my recipe rotation because it’s reliably delicious, easy to make, and warmly satisfying. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it just as comforting in your kitchen. Trust me, it’s worth every cheesy, meaty bite!