If you’re craving a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug, you have to try this Baked Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a savory meat sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese that melts into pure melty magic. This recipe has everything you need for a satisfying family dinner or a cozy night in—the flavors marry beautifully, and the bubbly, golden crust is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a staple on your menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential—they each add their own magic to the dish, creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes baked penne such a crowd-pleaser.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape for holding sauce and cheese in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides hearty flavor and protein with a tasty, savory kick.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for that fragrant, mouthwatering aroma.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: The saucy base that ties everything together with tomatoey goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings classic Italian herbal notes to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds sweet, peppery undertones.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle heat boost if you like a little spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The simple seasoning that enhances every ingredient.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it lends luscious texture and richness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): For melty, gooey topping and tender cheesy pockets inside.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty and sharp, perfect for layering and topping.
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Baked Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but with a little bite to hold up well in the bake. Drain it and set it aside, making sure not to overcook, so it doesn’t turn mushy later.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are nice and soft, around 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off excess fat for a leaner sauce. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, then sprinkle in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, and season generously with salt and pepper. Let this simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with your meat sauce. Add the creamy ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Gently stir everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in that cheesy, meaty goodness.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Butter or grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then transfer the pasta mixture into it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top for that irresistible golden crust. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a gorgeous golden brown, pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes—but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
How to Serve Baked Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil are a fantastic finishing touch. They brighten up the rich, cheesy experience with a pop of color and a hint of fresh, herbal flavor that complements the savory sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This baked penne pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, steamed or roasted veggies to balance the richness, or even some warm garlic bread for mopping up all those lovely saucy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned personal bakes. You could also sprinkle additional herbs or even some chili flakes on top right before serving for an extra visual and flavor boost that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This baked penne pasta stays delicious in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as it rests, making it an even tastier leftover meal.
Freezing
Here’s a pro tip: you can assemble the dish completely, then freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake it straight from frozen—just increase baking time by about 15 to 20 minutes and cover it with foil until bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist, heating in 1-minute increments.
FAQs
Can I use pasta shapes other than penne for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rigatoni, ziti, or even shells work wonderfully because they all hold sauce well, but penne remains a favorite for its classic shape and texture in baked dishes.
Is it okay to substitute ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture or even add sautéed spinach to sneak in some greens. Both are great ways to customize the recipe to your liking.
How spicy is this Baked Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Recipe?
The heat level is very mild by default, with optional red pepper flakes adding a gentle kick. You can easily adjust by adding more or leaving them out for a kid-friendly version.
What type of meat works best in this recipe?
Ground beef is classic, but Italian sausage adds a nice depth of seasoning. You can even mix half and half or try ground turkey for a leaner option.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up nicely—just double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish or two separate pans to feed a bigger group.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious dish that feels like a warm, cheesy hug, this Baked Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy every scrumptious bite.
Print
Baked Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This baked penne recipe is a comforting Italian-American pasta bake featuring al dente penne pasta combined with a flavorful meat and marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family-friendly main course, it’s easy to prepare and can be assembled ahead or frozen for convenience.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until meat is browned and onion softens, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce, then add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce mixture for 5–10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Pasta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne with the meat sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated with the sauce and cheese.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake and Broil: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. For a golden brown, crispy top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the baked penne rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
- Adding sautéed spinach or other vegetables enhances nutrition and flavor.
- This dish freezes well; assemble ahead and freeze before baking for easy meal prep.
- Use Italian sausage for a spicier version or stick with ground beef for a milder taste.
