Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake with Ground Beef

This penne pasta bake is a comforting casserole loaded with cheese, marinara sauce, and ground beef. So cheesy, hearty, and filling! Try this easy pasta dish when you don't know what to make with ground beef. It's a classic weeknight dinner that's perfect for feeding the whole family.

I'm not shy to admit that I love making this dish during special events. Growing up in an Asian household, pasta isn't something we eat every day. It's usually saved for birthdays, holidays, and big family gatherings. A tray of spaghetti or baked pasta always shows up when there's something to celebrate. This ground beef pasta casserole is my go-to for those occasions, and it's always the first dish to disappear.

You will also love my Ricotta stuffed shell pasta and this no-fuss lemon pepper pasta.

Why You'll Love This Penne Pasta Bake

• Quick to prepare. Only 15 minutes of prep!
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Feeds a crowd. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
• Freezer-friendly. Great for meal prep.

Ingredients

You will need the following:

• Pasta. Penne pasta is what you need for this recipe. Usually packed 1 pound per bag. You may also use macaroni. Cook the pasta according to the package in boiling salted water, but you have to undercook it because you are going to bake it. I cooked it under 10 minutes leaving just a little bit of crunch to the pasta. 📌 You can use other pasta shapes like ziti, rigatoni, or rotini since they hold sauce and bake nicely.
• Ground Beef. 1 pound of lean ground beef is recommended but any ground beef will do. Make sure to remove the excess oil after you brown it. You don't want a greasy ground beef casserole.
• Oil. I usually use olive oil, but vegetable oil will do. You just need a tablespoon to brown the ground beef or less if you are using beef with lots of fats.
• Onion. You will want to mince them and cook them until translucent.
• Garlic. Also, minced fresh garlic.
• Marinara Sauce. Out of all the sauces for pasta, this one is my favorite. You need 2 cups.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Brown Sugar. You may skip this ingredient, but I like the contrasting flavor of sugar against salt and pepper. It helps balance the acidity
• Cheddar Cheese. Shredded cheddar cheese is available in groceries, or you can grate your own if you are used to buying block cheese. If you don't have enough cheddar cheese, you can add any cheese you have. 📌 Want a richer flavor? Swap cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Optional Ingredients: veggies like broccoli, mushrooms or anything in season. Sprinkle or garnish with basil or parsley. Add a different protein like fried bacon bits.

How to Bake Penne Pasta

• First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. At the same time, grease a deep rectangular baking dish by spraying oil on it. This recipe perfectly fits the 9 by 13 deep dish.
• Cook your pasta in a pot of boiling water with salt. Undercook your pasta so it won't get too mushy once baked. I cooked mine for 9 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to the baking dish.
• Meanwhile, start browning the beef in a pan over medium heat. Start by heating a tablespoon of oil, then put the ground beef, and add the onions and garlic. Remove excess oil. You don't want a greasy casserole. Finally, add your sauce until heated.
• Pour the sauce mixture over to the baking dish with pasta. Toss until all of the pasta is coated with the sauce. Take ½ cup of the shredded cheese and combine and toss with the pasta and sauce.
• Top the remaining cheese on the pasta dish, ensuring the top is fully covered with cheese.
• Now bake for 10 minutes. You can broil for a minute or two before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Undercook the pasta slightly to prevent mushiness after baking
• Drain the beef thoroughly for the best texture
• Use a deep dish so the cheese doesn't bubble over
• Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking so it sets before serving

Serving Suggestions

This ground beef pasta casserole pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Caesar salad or mixed greens
• Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions or the whole casserole for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F until warmed through

Variations You Can Try

Want to customize your penne pasta bake?

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage
• Add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms
• Use different cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, or even a bit of gouda
• Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes

📝Recipe Card