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Ultimate Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta with Savory Ground Beef, Homemade Marinara Sauce and Golden Melted Mozzarella

Ultimate Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta with Savory Ground Beef, Homemade Marinara Sauce and Golden Melted Mozzarella

Loaded with tender penne, rich homemade beef marinara, and layers of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, baked until golden and bubbly — the perfect comforting family dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 lb penne pasta 450 g
  • Salt for the pasta water
Meat Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 450 g
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz / 680 g
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook penne in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet; cook onion until softened, then add garlic.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
  6. Add marinara and simmer about 10 minutes.
  7. Toss penne with the meat sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Spread half the pasta in the dish, top with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  9. Add remaining pasta and finish with remaining cheeses.
  10. Bake 20–25 minutes until melted, bubbly and lightly golden.
  11. Broil 2–3 minutes if desired for an extra golden crust.
  12. Rest 5–10 minutes, garnish with parsley or basil, and serve.