Baked Penne
Elevate pasta night with our Baked Penne recipe. Al dente pasta, ricotta cheese, robust marinara, and crowned with a golden cheesy crust.
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 530kcal
Cost: $13.87
Equipment
- 13x9-inch baking dish
- large skillet
- mixing spoon
- Colander
- saucepan
- mixing bowls
Ingredients
MEAT SAUCE:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion about ½ cup, diced finely
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 28 oz jar marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
PASTA:
- 16 oz penne pasta cooked to al dente
RICOTTA MIXTURE:
- 15 oz container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
GARNISH:
- Parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
MAKE MEAT SAUCE:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until halfway done for 5-8 minutes.
- Add onions until soft, and the beef is thoroughly cooked with no pink remaining.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Drain off the grease.
- Add marinara sauce and seasoning.
- Stir to combine and bring to a low boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the sauce to a bowl and allow it to cool while you cook the pasta and prepare the rest of the recipe.
PREP OVEN AND BAKING DISH:
- Move the oven rack to the middle position.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Lightly spray a 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray.
COOK PASTA:
- Cook pasta according to directions on the box to al dente.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process.
MAKE RICOTTA MIXTURE:
- Mix ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and egg in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
ASSEMBLE CASSEROLE:
- Add 1 cup of sauce to the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer with half of the pasta.
- Top with ricotta mixture and then half of the sauce.
- Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining sauce.
- Then sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
BAKE AND SERVE:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread and salad if you like.
Nutrition
Serving: 1.5cup | Calories: 530kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 849mg | Potassium: 743mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 948IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 353mg | Iron: 4mg