Penne Pasta Bake

This penne pasta bake recipe is a comforting, delicious dish that combines cooked penne pasta with a rich, beefy marinara sauce and a cheesy topping. Baked until bubbly and golden, the result is a satisfying, hearty meal perfect for both weeknight dinners and cozy family meals.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

This baked penne is a family favorite that I make on a weekly basis (with no complaints from my picky eater). For more dinner recipes using ground beef, try this Tex Mex Casserole or this tasty Picadillo. Check out all of these Healthy Dinner recipes for more inspiration.

Why you will love this recipe

This baked penne pasta is an easy recipe to prepare, making it a popular option for home cooks. Who doesn’t love easy dinner recipes with minimal prep time on a busy weeknight?

This hearty pasta dish reheats well, making it a practical choice for leftovers. The flavors develop even more after sitting overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious as the initial meal.

The combination of pasta with ground beef sauce and melty cheese is universally loved, making it a huge crowd-pleaser for the whole family at dinner parties and potlucks.

Ingredient notes

Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.

• Dry Penne Pasta – We like the ridges of penne to grab up and hold onto all of the rich sauce. Other good noodles for this recipe include rigatoni and ziti.
• Olive Oil and Butter – Use both to add flavor and to prevent the oil from burning.
• Ground Beef – Also known as minced beef or hamburger meat. We usually choose lean or extra-lean ground beef.
• Onion – Get ready to cry! You’ve got chopping to do.
• Fresh Parsley – We love the fresh, clean taste. You can use other fresh herbs as a substitute, such as fresh basil.
• Garlic Cloves – Is it even a pasta dish without garlic?
• Marinara Sauce – Choose a sauce you know you like. We don’t recommend using plain tomato sauce as it doesn’t add enough flavor to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese – We use a mix of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
• Salt and Pepper – Pinches of sea salt and fresh pepper bring out the best flavors of these ingredients.

Equipment

• Large Pots – You will need a couple of pots for this. One for making the sauce and another pot for boiling the pasta.
• Large Casserole Dish – Use an 8×11 ceramic baking dish or larger.

Instructions

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

First, preheat the oven to 375 and lightly grease the casserole dish. Set it aside.

Step 2

Next, cook the pasta in boiling salted water for ten minutes. You want the pasta slightly undercooked and more al dente, as the noodles will continue to cook and soften while baking in the oven.

Drain the pasta, leave it in the strainer, and set it aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, while the pasta water is boiling and the pasta is cooking, make the sauce.

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, season with salt and pepper, and stir.

Keep stirring intermittently and cook until softened – about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and stir for one more minute.

Step 4

Next, add the ground beef to the pot with the cooked onions and garlic and stir.

Cook until the meat is browned and thoroughly cooked through.

Step 5

Next, add the marinara sauce to the pot with the cooked beef and onion mixture and stir.

Add the chopped parsley and stir again.

Let the sauce simmer in the pan over medium-low heat for another five minutes. Taste for salt and pepper, and adjust to your liking.

Step 6

Then, stir in the cooked pasta.

Using a large spoon, mix until the noodles are coated with the sauce.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and sprinkle with the shredded cheese.

Step 7

Finally, cover the dish with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbling.

If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking, or turn the oven to broil to crisp the cheese.

Step 8

Then, let the baked penne pasta rest in the dish for five minutes.

Serve warm!

Substitutions and recipe variations

Experiment with a different protein instead of beef, such as Italian sausage. Or try ground turkey or chicken, both great options for a leaner meat.

Boost the veggies in this penne pasta bake by adding chopped mushrooms and spinach to the mixture at the same time as you add the garlic.

Make an extra rich version by adding a couple of tablespoons of ricotta cheese to the pasta mixture before baking.

Want a pasta dinner but not baked? Try this authentic Italian spaghetti sauce. It is always a family favorite.

Spice it up by adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Try this pumpkin pasta bake for a cozy, rich, and fall-inspired comfort food vibe.

Serving suggestions

Serve the penne pasta bake alongside a Caesar salad and some garlic bread for a restaurant-style experience.

A light soup, such as homemade tomato soup, can be a nice starter to the meal and add an extra layer of warmth and comfort.

Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables can balance the meal and add nutrition. Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, served up on the side, make a complete meal.

FAQS

Storage tips

To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven, and cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.

To Freeze: Let the baked penne cool for about 20–30 minutes. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to about 2 months.

More pasta recipes

*Originally posted August 18, 2023, and updated May 21, 2026.*

If you’ve tried this penne bake, please give me a rating and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

Be sure to follow me on social media! I love pinning to Pinterest, sharing on Facebook, and posting pics on Instagram. See you there. 🙂