Baked Penne Pasta with Beef and Mozzarella

When you’re craving comfort food that’s simple, hearty, and guaranteed to please, look no further than Baked Penne Pasta with Beef and Mozzarella. This Italian-inspired casserole layers tender pasta, savory beef sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a dish that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for Sunday family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and quick prep.
• Cheesy & comforting: Melted mozzarella makes every bite irresistible.
• Family-friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead & freezer-friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready.

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook penne pasta until al dente (slightly firm), about 1 minute less than package instructions.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Beef Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix pasta with half of the beef sauce. Spread half of this mixture into the baking dish.
3. Sprinkle with 1 ½ cups mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
4. Add the remaining pasta mixture, top with remaining sauce, then cover with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.

Step 5: Serve

Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Tips for Success

• Undercook pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy while baking.
• Use fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess, or shredded for convenience.
• Make it ahead: Assemble casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezer option: Wrap unbaked casserole in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen (add 15–20 minutes baking time).

Variations

• Baked Penne al Forno: Use sausage instead of beef for a classic Italian flavor.
• Veggie Version: Add sautéed zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
• Extra Cheesy: Stir ricotta into the pasta layers.
• Spicy Kick: Swap marinara for arrabbiata sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food: pasta for heartiness, beef for protein, and mozzarella for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves. Baking it allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to form a golden crust that makes each slice irresistible.

Cheesy, hearty, and baked to perfection — this Baked Penne Pasta with Beef and Mozzarella is a recipe your family will ask for again and again.