Creamy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both rich and satisfying, you’ve got to try this Creamy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s everything a cozy pasta bake should be—loaded with melty cheese, savory beef, and a creamy, herbed sauce that brings it all together. I promise, once you make this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to weeknight dinners or potluck stars. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips to get it perfectly creamy and oh-so-delicious every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of savory beef, tangy marinara, creamy sauce, and melty cheese. I always recommend using good-quality marinara and fresh herbs if you can—the results are worth it!

• Penne Pasta: Opt for dried penne; it holds up beautifully in the bake without getting mushy.
• Ground Beef: I use 80/20 for good flavor and juiciness, but you can swap in ground turkey or Italian sausage.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the onions just right.
• Yellow Onion: Provides a mild sweetness that works perfectly with the beef and garlic.
• Garlic: Five cloves bring a lot of flavor—don’t skimp unless you really hate garlic!
• Marinara Sauce: I love Rao’s brand for its authentic taste, but homemade works wonderfully too.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Boosts the creaminess without thinning the sauce.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: The classic blend enhances the sauce with herbs like oregano and basil.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and depth.
• Fresh Basil: Minced for freshness inside the sauce and more for garnish on top.
• Dried Parsley: For a pop of greenery flavor throughout.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoned throughout for balanced flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Use a good melting mozzarella to get that gooey, bubbly top.

Variations

I like mixing things up with this Creamy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m serving. Don’t be afraid to personalize it—you’ll often find that small tweaks make it feel brand new.

• Italian Sausage Swap: Sometimes I replace all or half of the ground beef with Italian sausage for an extra punch of seasoning—totally delicious!
• Veggie Boost: I’ve tossed in chopped mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers when I want to sneak in more veggies.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture if you like some heat.
• Cheese Variations: Try using fontina or gouda instead of mozzarella for a different creamy note.

How to Make Creamy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

Bring a big pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil and cook your penne until it’s just shy of al dente—about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. This little trick ensures it doesn’t overcook when baked later. Once drained, toss it with a splash of olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking. Trust me, this step makes your baked pasta texture spot on every time.

Step 2: Sauté Your Beef to Perfection

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks, stirring until it’s fully browned—usually around 4 to 5 minutes. Then, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy. This is one of those steps where patience pays off; well-cooked meat really boosts the dish’s flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Herb Mixture

While the beef is cooking, stir together the softened cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan, minced fresh basil, dried parsley, and half the salt and pepper. This mixture is the magic behind the creamy texture and herbaceous aroma that gives the dish its signature richness. Make sure the cream cheese is softened—that way, it blends smoothly without lumps.

Step 4: Cook the Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium and toss in the butter. Once melted, add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir frequently so they don’t brown too much. Then add minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant. This builds a flavorful base that perfectly complements the beef and sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return your drained beef to the skillet, then pour in the marinara sauce and about two-thirds of your creamy herb mixture. Add half the mozzarella cheese and stir constantly over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until all the cheeses melt and everything is beautifully combined. Then stir in your par-cooked penne pasta along with the remaining salt and pepper. This step is all about seasoning and evenly distributing flavors, so give it some loving stirs.

Step 6: Bake to Creamy, Cheesy Perfection

Transfer your saucy pasta mixture to a buttered 3-quart baking dish. Spread the remaining third of the cream cheese mixture evenly on top, and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella over that. To keep the cheese from sticking to foil, spray the underside of a piece of aluminum foil with nonstick spray, cover the dish, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to get a bubbly, golden top. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point—trust me!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh minced basil all over the top for a bright, fresh burst and some color. Serve it hot and watch it disappear quickly—this dish is always a hit at my table!

How to Serve Creamy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this baked penne with freshly minced basil because it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan also works fantastic if you want an extra cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or a side of garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli are great too if you want a hearty, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving this for a special occasion, I sometimes bake individual portions in small ramekins; it looks super cute and feels extra special. You can also bake it in a deeper dish for a thicker, casserole-style presentation. Either way, it’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps perfectly for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I like to sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top to refresh the cheesy goodness.

Freezing

This Creamy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe freezes well too! I freeze it before baking—just cover tightly, and when you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. It’s a lifesaver for prepping meals ahead of time.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered, to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it on medium power, but keep a close eye so it doesn’t get tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Baked Penne with Ground Beef Recipe brings so much comfort and joy with minimal fuss. It’s one of those dishes that feels homemade and special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. When I first tried it, I was hooked by its creamy richness and the way the fresh basil lifted every bite. If you’re looking for a hearty meal that your family will fight over, give this recipe a try—I’m sure it’ll quickly become a new favorite in your rotation too!

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