Name: Baked Penne with Meat 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

Nothing quite beats the comforting aroma of bubbling cheese and savory sauce wafting from the oven, and that's exactly what you get with this Baked Penne with Meat and Cheese Recipe. It’s a simple dish that turns everyday ingredients into pure comfort food magic—perfectly cheesy, meaty, and totally satisfying.

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 Meat and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Penne with Meat and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Penne with Meat and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish has become one of my go-tos for a reason: it’s straightforward to throw together but tastes like you put hours into it. Every bite offers layers of flavor, from the seasoned ground beef to the creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella.

Midweek friendly: You can prep it quickly and have dinner ready in under an hour.
One-pan ease: Everything cooks right in a big skillet, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Family approved: The cheesy, saucy combo is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Flexible ingredients: You can easily swap or add to the meats, cheeses, or herbs to suit your taste or pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together to create a balanced, rich meal without fuss. From the al dente penne that holds the sauce perfectly, to the browned ground beef and blend of cheeses that create that irresistible texture and flavor—each piece has its part to play.

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 ridges and tube shape capture the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base without excess grease.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when it softens.
Garlic: A classic flavor enhancer that perks up the entire dish.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that ties all the flavors together.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural tastes without overpowering them.
Marinara sauce: The rich, tangy tomato base that clings to every noodle.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a light freshness that balances the meat.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection on top.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory crunch when baked.

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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 making this Baked Penne with Meat and Cheese Recipe my own by switching up the cheeses or adding extra veggies. It’s such a great base that you can customize easily depending on what you have, or what kind of flavor mood you’re in.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier kick—it adds a whole new dimension of flavor that my family adores.
Veggie boost: Feel free to toss in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers when you cook the onions and garlic to add some extra color and nutrients.
Dairy swap: If you’re avoiding dairy, try ricotta made from almond milk or a vegan mozzarella substitute; it won’t be quite the same but still delish.
Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes in with the Italian seasoning wakes the dish up without overwhelming it.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Penne with Meat 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: Cook the Penne Just Right

Start by bringing salted water to a boil and cooking the penne pasta 1 to 2 minutes shy of al dente. This is crucial because the pasta will keep cooking once it’s in the oven, so you want it slightly undercooked to avoid mushiness. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside—don’t rinse it, or you’ll wash away the starch that helps the sauce stick.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Soften the Onions

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Crumble the meat with your spoon or spatula and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let everything cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender—about 7 to 8 minutes. This step is where your flavor base really builds, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce in the Skillet

Once the meat mixture is ready, toss the cooked penne right into the skillet. Pour the marinara sauce over everything and stir well so the sauce coats the pasta and meat evenly. This is the comforting, hearty core of the dish that gets better the longer it bakes.

Step 4: Layer the Cheeses and Bake

Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the top of the saucy pasta. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan evenly over everything. This layered blend is what makes the dish glow with melty, gooey goodness. Slide the skillet into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20 minutes. If you love a crispy cheese crust like I do, switch to broil for the last couple of minutes—but watch it carefully to prevent burning!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bit of color and freshness. Serve immediately—this dish is best enjoyed warm when the cheese is still melty and the flavors are at their peak.

Top Tip

After making this Baked Penne with Meat and Cheese Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the final dish and keep the process stress-free.

Al dente pasta: Never skip cooking the pasta a little under; it saves you from a mushy bake.
Browning well: Take your time browning the beef and onions to develop rich flavor rather than rushing through.
Use an oven-safe skillet: This saves you transferring to another dish and keeps cleanup simple.
Broil carefully: Keep your eyes on the cheese when broiling; a minute too long can turn golden-brown into burnt.

How to Serve Baked Penne with Meat and Cheese Recipe

Baked Penne with Meat - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with fresh chopped parsley or basil because the herbaceous notes brighten up the richness of the cheese and meat so well. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty baked penne pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I've served this in individual oven-safe ramekins—kids love having their own portion, and it looks adorable on the table. You can also layer it in a clear glass baking dish for a pretty presentation that shows off the cheesy layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let the leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. I’ve found they stay delicious for up to 4 days, making this a great recipe to prep ahead or enjoy for lunch.

Freezing

I often freeze leftovers in single portions for quick meals later—just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags. This Baked Penne with Meat and Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully and still tastes fresh after thawing.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just add a small splash of water to keep the pasta moist and reheat in short increments.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or shells also work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of hearty vegetables like zucchini and eggplant to keep it filling and flavorful.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover the skillet tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to bake time as needed.

What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?

I find that a mix of ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for meltiness, and parmesan for a sharp, nutty kick works perfectly. But feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses!

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Baked Penne with Meat and Cheese Recipe countless times, and it still feels like a warm hug on a plate every single time. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your rotation. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s one of those dishes people ask for again and again.