This Ground Beef Parmesan Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta dinner made with penne, lean ground beef, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan.

It is a great choice for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without complicated prep.

Serve it for family dinner, casual gatherings, meal prep, or anytime you need an easy baked pasta recipe that feels comforting and filling.

Times + Servings + Basic Info

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American-Italian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple pantry and fridge ingredients.
• Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying without being complicated.
• Ready in about 35 minutes.
• Great for family dinners and leftovers.
• Easy to customize with vegetables or extra spice.
• Bakes in one oven-safe skillet for less cleanup.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• 16 ounces lean ground beef
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 15-ounce jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Ingredient Notes

• Lean ground beef keeps the pasta hearty without making it greasy. Drain excess fat after browning if needed.
• Freshly grated parmesan melts better and adds stronger flavor than pre-grated cheese.
• Use your favorite jarred Alfredo sauce, or swap in homemade Alfredo if you have it.
• Red pepper flakes add mild heat, but you can skip them for a kid-friendly version.

How to Make Ground Beef Parmesan Pasta Bake

1. Prep the oven and pasta.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F and move the rack to the top third of the oven. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne for 1 minute less than the package directions for al dente.
2. Brown the ground beef.
   While the pasta cooks, add the ground beef to a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Season the beef.
   Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic smells fragrant.
4. Add the sauce and cheese.
   Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the Alfredo sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
5. Combine with pasta.
   Drain the hot penne and add it straight to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is coated in the creamy beef sauce. Spread everything into an even layer.
6. Bake until bubbly.
   Top with parmesan cheese and the remaining mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if you want a lightly browned cheese topping.

Variations & Substitutions

• Add vegetables: Stir in baby spinach, peas, broccoli, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers before baking.
• Make it spicier: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Use another pasta: Rigatoni, ziti, rotini, or shells all work well.
• Make it lighter: Use extra-lean ground beef, light Alfredo sauce, and part-skim mozzarella.
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free penne and check that the Alfredo sauce is gluten-free.
• Kid-friendly version: Skip the red pepper flakes and serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Let the pasta cool before refrigerating.

Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F until hot.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Parmesan Pasta Bake

• Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
• Simple green salad with Italian dressing
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• Caesar salad
• Steamed peas or sautéed zucchini

FAQ

Can I make Ground Beef Parmesan Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it goes into the oven cold. Wait to broil until the pasta is fully heated through.

Can I use marinara sauce instead of Alfredo sauce?

Yes, marinara sauce works if you want a tomato-based version. The recipe will taste less creamy but still hearty and cheesy. You can also use half Alfredo and half marinara for a creamy tomato sauce.

What pasta works best for this beef pasta bake?

Penne works well because it holds the creamy sauce and bakes evenly. Ziti, rigatoni, rotini, or medium shells are also good choices. Try to cook the pasta slightly under al dente so it does not get too soft in the oven.

How do I keep baked pasta from drying out?

Do not overcook the pasta before baking, and make sure it is well coated in sauce. If leftovers seem dry, add a splash of milk, cream, or broth before reheating. Covering the dish while reheating also helps keep it creamy.

Nutrition (Estimated)

Calories: 650
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 48g
Fat: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. For precise dietary advice, please consult a nutrition professional.