Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Once the beef is no longer pink, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the meat sauce. Transfer half of the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden-brown spots. For an extra crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning). Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- For extra protein, substitute half the ground beef with Italian sausage.
- Make ahead: Assemble the pasta bake up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake (add 10 minutes to baking time).
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg