Cheesy Baked Beef Penne Pasta

This Cheesy Baked Beef Penne Pasta is loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender penne pasta, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. An easy family dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy comfort food dinner that everyone will love, this Cheesy Baked Beef Penne Pasta is the perfect choice. Tender penne pasta is tossed with a rich homemade meat sauce, layered with gooey mozzarella, and baked until hot and bubbly. It’s freezer-friendly, budget-friendly, and ideal for meal prep.

• Ready in about 45 minutes
• Perfect for busy weeknights
• Kid-friendly recipe
• Easy freezer meal
• Rich, cheesy, and comforting
• Great for leftovers

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain well.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
6. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
7. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
8. Drain excess grease if needed.
9. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
10. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
11. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss until evenly coated.
12. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
13. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
14. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese.
15. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
16. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Cook the pasta slightly under al dente since it continues cooking in the oven.
• Freshly shred mozzarella for the best melt.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor.
• Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Variations

Spicy Version

Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Italian Sausage

Replace half the ground beef with Italian sausage.

Three Cheese

Add provolone and cheddar along with mozzarella.

Vegetable Version

Mix in spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze tightly covered for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed broccoli
• Fresh garden salad

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 590 per serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake before serving.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.

What pasta works best?

Penne is ideal, but rigatoni, ziti, rotini, or most short pasta shapes work well.

Can I use ground turkey?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken are great lighter alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Beef Penne Pasta is an easy, satisfying casserole that’s packed with hearty beef, flavorful tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and lots of melted cheese. It’s a comforting family dinner that’s simple enough for weeknights and delicious enough for special occasions.