Description
Cheesy Baked Penne with Meat Sauce
This ultra-cheesy, comforting baked pasta dish is packed with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella—every bite is pure bliss!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Cheese Mixture:
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
½ tsp garlic powder
For Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef until browned. Add garlic and onion, cooking until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and garlic powder until smooth.
Assemble the Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta, half of the meat sauce, and dollops of ricotta mixture. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Broil for 2 minutes for an extra crispy top.
Serve & Enjoy: Let it rest for 5 minutes, then dig in! Serve with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the meat sauce before layering!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof dish. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped (onion diced, garlic minced, cheeses measured). Start by boiling your pasta water—salting it well is key for flavor. While the pasta cooks, begin browning your meat. After draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water; you can stir a splash into your meat sauce if it becomes too thick. When assembling, spread the first pasta layer evenly. For the ricotta dollops, use a spoon to distribute small amounts evenly so every bite gets creaminess. Press the final layers down gently before adding the cheesy topping to ensure a cohesive bake.
Serving Suggestions
Let the baked penne rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set for cleaner slices. Pair this hearty dish with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable like broccoli are perfect sides. For a complete Italian feast, start with a light antipasto platter.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook penne al dente. Brown meat, sauté aromatics, and simmer with tomatoes to create the sauce. Blend ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and garlic powder for the filling. In a baking dish, create two layers of pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta dollops. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional breadcrumbs. Bake at 375°F until golden and bubbly, then briefly broil for crispiness. Rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this baked penne ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ricotta? Full-fat cottage cheese (small-curd) or a mixture of mascarpone and a little cream cheese are excellent substitutes for a similar creamy texture.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out while baking? Ensure your meat sauce is sufficiently saucy and not too thick. The reserved pasta water can help. Also, covering the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking can lock in moisture.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven covered with foil for best results.
Is the egg in the cheese mixture necessary? The egg acts as a binder, helping the ricotta layer set. You can omit it, but the filling may be slightly more loose and less distinct in the final dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Boil only until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Mushy pasta ruins the texture.
- Using Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 fat ratio. Lean meat (90/10 or higher) can result in a less flavorful, drier sauce.
- Skipping the Sauce Simmer: Don’t rush the 10-minute simmer. It concentrates flavors and melds them together.
- Not Letting it Rest: Cutting in immediately causes the layers to slump. A brief rest allows everything to set for perfect serving.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Penne with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, designed to feed a crowd and warm any dinner table. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced dish with layers of savory meat, tender pasta, and irresistible melted cheese. It’s versatile for make-ahead meals and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Buon appetito!