Baked Penne
A hearty baked penne casserole featuring ground beef, mushrooms, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinner or comforting gatherings with rich tomato flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions.
- Drain the cooked pasta, ground beef, and mushrooms.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and grated mozzarella.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Top with additional grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also use ricotta cheese in place of cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the spaghetti sauce. For a quicker option, consider using store-bought Crock-Pot Spaghetti Sauce instead of canned sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Baked penne pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving with a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors. This dish also works well as a potluck item or comfort food for gatherings. For additional flavor, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Penne contains roughly 234 calories, with 21g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (88% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 516mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, while penne is traditional, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type, as some may require longer boiling.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the baked penne a day ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free baked penne, simply use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure that the spaghetti sauce and other ingredients are also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work well without compromising flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).