Baked Penne with Meat Sauce 🍝🧀🥩🔥 Hearty, Cheesy, and Oven-Finished for Golden Edges and Saucy Layers

This is classic comfort baked to perfection — penne tossed in a rich, meaty tomato sauce, blanketed in melty cheese, and baked until bubbling and golden.

It’s cozy, satisfying, and ideal for make-ahead dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Think lasagna vibes, zero layering stress.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the pasta

• 12 oz penne (or ziti, rigatoni, or rotini)
• Salted water for boiling

For the meat sauce

• 1 lb ground beef, pork, turkey, or sausage
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or tomato basil sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for depth)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of sugar, red pepper flakes, or splash of balsamic

For the bake

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
• Optional: ½ cup ricotta or dollops of cream cheese
• Chopped parsley or basil for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook penne until very al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the meat sauce
In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Drain excess fat if needed. Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add marinara, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer 5–10 minutes until thick and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine and build
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl or directly in a baking dish, combine pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add ricotta in spoonfuls if using.

Step 4: Bake it
Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes if you want extra browning.

Step 5: Rest and serve
Let cool for 5–10 minutes to set. Top with herbs and serve hot.

Flavor Variations

• Add spinach, kale, or roasted veggies to the sauce
• Use spicy Italian sausage or a beef/pork mix for depth
• Swap marinara for vodka sauce or roasted garlic tomato sauce
• Stir in pesto or cream for a richer base
• Add mozzarella pearls or provolone slices for extra gooeyness

Pro Tips

• Undercook the pasta slightly — it finishes in the oven
• Simmer sauce until thick — runny sauce = soggy bake
• Use full-fat cheese for best melt and flavor
• Let it rest after baking — it holds together better when slicing
• Double the recipe and freeze one for later

Final Thoughts

Baked Penne with Meat Sauce is the kind of crowd-pleasing, zero-fuss dinner that always hits — saucy, cheesy, golden-edged perfection in every bite. It’s everything great about pasta night, baked until bubbly and better.

Brown it. Bake it. Bring the heat to the table. 🍝🧀🥩🔥

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.