Baked Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce
This Baked Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce is a hearty, comforting classic perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd. With layers of saucy ground beef, melty cheese, and tender pasta, it’s a no-fuss baked dish that delivers bold, satisfying flavor every time.
Ingredients List
12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook penne in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Combine cooked pasta and meat sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir in half the mozzarella.
Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving if desired.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings
Makes 6 servings
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 520
Carbs: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheat in the oven or microwave
Freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw before baking
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp side salad
Add ricotta or cottage cheese for a lasagna-style layer
Use ground turkey or lentils for a lighter version
Seasonal Relevance
Perfect for cozy fall and winter dinners or feeding guests year-round
Ideal for Sunday meal prep or a weeknight bake-and-serve meal
Conclusion
Baked Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce is a classic baked pasta dish that’s simple, satisfying, and family-approved. With its cheesy top, meaty sauce, and baked-in flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Baked Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce
6
servings15
minutes25
minutes520
kcalA hearty baked pasta dish layered with meat sauce and melty cheese—simple, satisfying, and great for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta and meat sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir in half the mozzarella.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Undercook pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy when baked
Let the dish rest 5–10 minutes after baking before serving
Double the recipe and freeze one for later
FAQs
Q1: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—assemble it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q2: Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely—rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli all work well.
Q3: Can I add vegetables?
Yes—try mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini in the meat sauce.
