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Easy Cheesy Baked Penne 2025 12 16 202807 150x150 1

Easy Cheesy Baked Penne

A cozy, no-fuss dinner made with hearty penne pasta, savory meat sauce, and loads of gooey cheese.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb / 450 g Penne Pasta, uncooked
  • 1 lb / 450 g Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 24 oz / 680 g Marinara Sauce (one jar)
  • 14.5 oz / 411 g Diced Tomatoes, undrained (one can)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 15 oz / 425 g Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
  • 4 cups / 16 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Boil the penne in salted water until very al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Brown and break it up until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  7. Combine the cooked penne with the meat sauce until the pasta is well coated.
  8. Fold in the ricotta and half of the shredded mozzarella until creamy pockets form.
  9. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the Parmesan and some mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  10. Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra browning if desired.
  11. Let the baked penne rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use very al dente pasta to prevent mushiness after baking. Drain excess grease from the beef if needed. Let the casserole rest before serving for easier scooping.

  • Author: soukaina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Meat

Find it online: https://spreadrecipes.com/easy-cheesy-baked-penne/