Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly satisfying Baked Penne Pasta with Meatballs. Imagine tender penne pasta, generously coated in a rich, savory meat sauce, then layered with perfectly seasoned Italian meatballs and baked to golden perfection under a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. This classic dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering warmth, flavor, and pure delight to every family dinner table.
If you’re a devoted fan of hearty meatball creations, you’ll also adore our Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs, perfect for effortless entertaining, and our irresistible Meatball Sub Sandwiches, ideal for a quick and flavorful lunch or dinner.
The Ultimate Baked Penne Pasta with Meatballs: A Family Favorite
There’s something uniquely comforting about a classic pasta bake, and this recipe for baked penne with meatballs and marinara sauce truly stands out. It’s a dish that evokes memories of cozy family gatherings and satisfying home-cooked meals. Served warm with a side of crusty homemade bread to soak up every drop of delicious sauce, or a fresh green salad for a lighter touch, it’s a culinary experience that’s hard to beat.
What makes this baked pasta recipe a consistent winner is its incredible convenience and versatility. You’ll often find yourself with all the necessary ingredients already in your pantry and freezer, making it a perfect last-minute meal solution. Simply pull out your frozen meatballs and a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce, and you’re halfway to a delectable dinner. While we always encourage making elements from scratch when time allows—like our Roasted Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes during summer’s bounty or The Best Homemade Marinara Sauce any other time of year—we completely understand that life gets busy. Rest assured, high-quality store-bought alternatives will yield equally delicious results, proving that great taste doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to unleash your creativity by drizzling your finished pasta bake with a vibrant pesto for an herby twist, or a dash of hot sauce if you crave a bit of a kick. Incorporate any ingredients your family loves – perhaps some sautéed bell peppers, a handful of spinach, or even different cheeses. The beauty of a pasta bake lies in its forgiving nature; it’s designed for fun and flexibility. Make it a joyful kitchen adventure by inviting your kids to help with the assembly, fostering their love for cooking and creating cherished memories around food.
Watch How It’s Made: Penne Meatball Bake Video Tutorial
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pasta Bake
- Penne Pasta: The cornerstone of this dish. It’s crucial to cook the penne only to an “al dente” stage, meaning it should still have a slight bite. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when it finishes cooking in the oven, ensuring a delightful texture in every forkful. While penne is traditional, other robust pasta shapes like ziti, rigatoni, or cavatappi also work beautifully, as their nooks and ridges are perfect for holding onto the rich sauce.
- Onions: Both white and yellow onions are suitable and will add a fundamental layer of aromatic flavor. Make sure they are diced fairly small so they can soften and meld seamlessly into the meat sauce, providing a subtle sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- Ground Beef: For a balanced pasta bake that isn’t overly greasy, we recommend using 90/10 lean ground beef. This fat content ensures rich flavor without leaving an excessive amount of oil in your dish. If you prefer, ground turkey or a mix of ground pork and beef can also be used for varied flavor profiles.
- Spaghetti Sauce: This is where personal preference shines! Use your favorite marinara or pasta sauce. A good quality store-bought jarred sauce is perfectly acceptable for convenience, but for an extra boost of homemade flavor, try our Roasted Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes in season, or our classic Best Homemade Marinara Sauce for a truly authentic taste experience.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Don’t be shy with the cheese! Mozzarella is our top choice for its excellent melting properties and the coveted “cheesy pull” it creates when baked. It also tends to be less greasy than some other cheeses, ensuring a perfectly golden, bubbly top. Monterey Jack or a zesty pepper jack can also be fantastic alternatives if you’re looking to experiment with flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference compared to the pre-shredded varieties in a can. Its sharp, nutty, and salty notes elevate the overall flavor profile. You can buy pre-grated fresh Parmesan or grate a block yourself for the best possible taste and texture.
- Meatballs: Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought, delicious meatballs are key to this recipe’s success. We’re particularly fond of our Spicy Italian Meatballs for an added kick, but any quality meatball will do. If using frozen meatballs, remember to defrost them thoroughly before incorporating them into the dish to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Baked Penne with Meatballs
- Cook the Pasta to Al Dente: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente. This typically means it will still have a slight firmness when bitten. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Avoid overcooking, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Prepare the Rich Meat Sauce: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them gently until they become soft and translucent, turning a light golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook the beef until it is mostly browned, with only a little pink remaining, which should take approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Pour in your chosen spaghetti sauce and stir everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce begins to simmer gently.
- Assemble Your Perfect Pasta Bake: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the cooked, drained penne pasta directly into the simmering meat sauce and stir gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. Incorporate half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture, mixing until evenly distributed. Lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil. Transfer the entire pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the meatballs uniformly across the top of the pasta, gently pressing them down slightly into the sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the dish.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the uncovered baking dish into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The edges of the pasta bake should also be lightly browned and simmering. Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set and makes for easier, cleaner serving. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting masterpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this baked pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the many advantages of casserole-style dishes like this pasta bake is their fantastic suitability for meal preparation. Leftovers are often just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. You can fully prepare the entire pasta bake up to the point of baking it. Once assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The following day, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats. Then, bake as directed and savor your prepped meal!
For even longer preparation, you can wrap the unbaked pasta bake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, follow the same instructions for baking from the fridge.
What are the best meatballs for this pasta bake?
Both homemade and store-bought meatballs work exceptionally well in this penne pasta bake. If you have a go-to recipe for meatballs, like our Spicy Italian Meatballs, feel free to use them! Homemade meatballs often bring an extra layer of flavor and a tender texture that is truly special. However, for ultimate convenience, high-quality pre-made meatballs from your local grocery store are a fantastic option and will still result in a truly delicious dish. If you choose to make your own meatballs, consider preparing a large batch and freezing the extras. That way, you’ll always have ready-to-use meatballs for future pasta bakes or other quick meals!
Delicious Variations to Elevate Your Pasta Bake
- Vegetarian Delight: Easily transform this into a vegetarian pasta bake by simply omitting the ground beef and meatballs. Instead, consider adding a medley of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, or robust portobello mushrooms for a hearty meatless option. You could also stir in cooked lentils for added protein and texture.
- Savory Mushroom Pasta Bake: For an earthy twist, swap out the meatballs and ground beef for a generous amount of sautéed mushrooms. Cremini, button, or even wild mushrooms will infuse the pasta bake with an incredible umami flavor and a satisfying texture that perfectly complements the penne and marinara.
- Hearty Sausage Pasta Bake: Replace the ground beef entirely with diced or sliced Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot, depending on your preference). For true meat lovers and an even richer flavor, you could use a combination of both ground beef and Italian sausage, creating a deeply savory and satisfying dish.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, spice things up! Incorporate pepper jack cheese into your cheese blend, add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce, and use spicy Italian sausage for a pasta bake that truly brings the warmth. A dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño could also heighten the spice.
- Creamy Indulgence: For a richer, creamier texture, mix in about 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese with the pasta and sauce before baking. This adds a velvety smoothness that makes the dish even more decadent.
- Garden Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs. Stir in chopped fresh basil, oregano, or parsley into your meat sauce, or sprinkle them over the top of the cheese before baking for a burst of aromatic freshness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the pasta bake has cooled completely before transferring it to the container.
- Freezer: For longer storage, an unbaked pasta bake can be covered tightly and stored frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Baked leftovers can also be frozen in individual portions for convenient grab-and-go meals, then thawed and reheated.
- To Reheat: To reheat a larger portion, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Add a little extra spaghetti or marinara sauce to the top of the pasta bake to prevent it from drying out, then cover loosely with foil and bake until heated through (approximately 20-30 minutes, or longer if reheating from frozen and thawed). For individual servings, a microwave works perfectly; simply heat in short bursts until warm throughout.
Baked Penne Pasta with Meatballs Recipe
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10 lean recommended)
- 24 ounces spaghetti sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 15 large meatballs, homemade or store-bought, thawed if frozen
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook penne pasta to al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and lightly golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook while stirring for about 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until only a little pink shows, or about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Then, add the spaghetti sauce and mix until combined and simmering.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Add the cooked pasta into the tomato and meat sauce, stirring until thoroughly combined. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
- Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and transfer the pasta mixture into it. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Place the thawed meatballs evenly around the baking dish, gently pressing them into the pasta.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Storing Instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Unbaked pasta bake can be covered tightly and stored frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
To Reheat: Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven by adding a little extra spaghetti or marinara sauce to prevent drying. For smaller portions, reheat in the microwave until warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 529mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 3.7mg | Calcium: 301mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Cuisine: Italian
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This exquisite and comforting penne pasta, baked in a rich, flavorful meat sauce and generously topped with tender Italian meatballs and a blanket of gooey mozzarella cheese, is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Prepare to delight your family with this incredible pasta bake that promises to become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire, bringing joy and satisfaction to every forkful. Enjoy the process, savor the aromas, and relish the smiles around your table!