Easy Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake

If you’re a fan of cheesy pasta dishes, then this recipe is for you! Our Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake combines tender pasta and ground beef with a garlicy red sauce and lots of cheese for an easy family-friendly dinner.

And it’s ready in 45 minutes from start to finish, making this a great weeknight meal option like my teriyaki meatball bowls. This hearty pasta dish is a simple yet delicious meal that will satisfy your comfort food cravings and it’s perfect for serving at large gatherings.

There’s a reason this cheesy pasta bake is one of my go-to dishes – it always comes through in a pinch.  

Short on time but need something easy to fill hungry bellies? Check!  

Looking for a recipe you can make ahead and bake later?  Check!  

Need an easy potluck dish?  Check!  

Need an inexpensive meal for hosting a team dinner or feeding hungry teenagers? Check!

And I haven’t even gotten to why my whole family loves this dish!

This cheesy pasta casserole is a long time family favorite. My kids love it because it has….pasta. They’ll eat almost anything if it involves noodles, like ground turkey pasta and rigatoni al forno.

The garlicy red sauce ropes me in. I would be happy dipping a slice of warm bread into a bowl of the sauce – sooo good.

And the cheese? Gah! Who doesn’t like warm ooey, gooey melted cheese, like in our homemade Panera broccoli cheddar mac and cheese?

But the best part is how easy it is to prepare!

Penne Pasta Cheese Bake Ingredients

• Penne pasta – The ridged surface and tube shape are perfect for holding onto the sauce and cheese.
• Ground beef – I use a lean 93/7 blend. You can also use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef if preferred.
• Spaghetti sauce – Make your own or purchase store bought. See my favorite brands in the tips for making section. 
• Onion – Adds flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Mozzarella cheese – Because everything’s better with cheese, right?!

How to Make Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Prepare the pasta according to package directions, cooking until al dente. Drain and set aside. 

Cook the ground meat, onion, and seasonings in a large skillet over medium heat until the meat has browned. 

Add the jarred pasta sauce to the cooked ground beef and simmer.

Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and transfer to a greased casserole dish. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake until the cheese has melted.

Tips for Making This Recipe

• This dish is only as good as the spaghetti sauce you are using. With limited ingredients, you’ll want to use a higher quality sauce for best results. I use Victoria’s White Linen sauce from Costco and Rao’s or Bertolli brands from the grocery store.
• I use a meat chopper when I cook ground meats. I first saw these at a Pampered Chef party, but for 30 bucks, I’m like yeah I can go without. Guess what? I found one less than $10 and I LOVE it! It works great for breaking up the meat.
• If you don’t have garlic-flavored pasta sauce, toss a couple cloves of minced garlic in the meat mixture.
• Freshly shredded cheese will melt best but you can use pre-shredded cheese.
• Add a couple shakes of red pepper flakes to the pasta mixture for a spicy kick.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger groups. I always come home with an empty pan when I’ve served this at team dinners and potlucks.
• If you’re into meal prepping, use pre-cooked bulk ground beef to make this a 30-minute meal.

What to Serve with Cheesy Baked Penne

Serve this delicious baked pasta dish with a romaine salad with lemon poppyseed vinaigrette and garlic bread for an easy weeknight meal. End the meal on a sweet note with a batch of no-bake preacher cookies.

And this recipe is a great choice if you need to cook a meal for a friend going through a tough time. Pair it with a green salad and a loaf of French bread for a complete meal.

FAQ:

How should I store leftovers?

Store remaining penne pasta casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake it in the oven until heated through.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe up to a day ahead of time. Follow the steps up to the baking point, then cover the dish and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make it (I use these casserole dishes with lids).

When you’re ready to make the dish, remove it from the frig and allow it to hang out on the counter at room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake as directed. You may need to increase the baking time a bit to achieve gooey, slightly browned cheese.

Can I substitute the pasta or cheese?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite type of pasta and cheese in this recipe. However, keep in mind that different types of pasta may require different cooking times.

Final Thoughts about This Cheesy Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a new go-to pasta recipe, give Easy Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake a try. It delivers on flavor without the fuss and it’s perfect when you need to whip up something quick. Or share this recipe with a busy Mama who needs a quick dinner to feed her family. 

Originally published on 5/27/15, updated on 2/14/19 and 9/13/24.