If you are looking for a hearty, comforting crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, cheesy indulgence with savory goodness, this Baked Penne with Ground Beef, Cream Cheese, and Mozzarella Recipe is your new go-to favorite. The rich blend of ground beef, tangy spaghetti sauce, and smooth cream cheese envelops perfectly cooked penne pasta, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella that turns every bite into a warm hug. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for family gatherings or dinner with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this dish comes together quickly while delivering a powerhouse of flavor, texture, and color that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef: The savory foundation that cooks up with onions and garlic to create rich flavor base.
- 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that brightens the beef.
- 1 clove minced garlic: Brings warmth and a hint of pungency that enhances the overall savoriness.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce: The hearty tomato element that unites all the ingredients with its tangy zest.
- 6 ounces chive and onion cream cheese, divided: Infuses creamy richness and a gentle onion-chive punch for extra flavor complexity.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: An herbal blend that complements the sauce with fragrant notes of oregano and basil.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: For that stringy, melty topping everyone loves, split to mix inside and on top.
- 1/2 pound cooked penne pasta (8 ounces): The sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly and provides satisfying texture.
How to Make Baked Penne with Ground Beef, Cream Cheese, and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
Start by heating a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. As the beef cooks and crumbles, allow the onion and garlic to soften and infuse the meat with their flavors. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling heavy but still plenty flavorful.
Step 2: Combine the Sauce and Cheeses
Next, stir in the spaghetti sauce, 4 ounces of the chive and onion cream cheese, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning along with half a cup of the shredded mozzarella. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. This step is where the dish transforms into a creamy, savory sauce that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of tang and herbs.
Step 3: Toss in the Cooked Penne
Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta, making sure every piece is coated evenly by that luscious sauce. This ensures each forkful will be full of cheesy, saucy goodness and tender pasta, perfectly balanced in every bite.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Pour the mixture carefully into a greased 8 by 8-inch baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Then add dots of the remaining 2 ounces of cream cheese across the surface—these little pockets will melt into creamy bites as it bakes. Finally, sprinkle the remaining half cup of mozzarella evenly on top to create a gloriously golden, melty crust once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dish uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, or until it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top has melted into a beautiful golden layer. After pulling it out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes to allow everything to set slightly, making it easier to serve and even more flavorful.
How to Serve Baked Penne with Ground Beef, Cream Cheese, and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley really brightens the richness of the baked penne with a fresh, colorful touch. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat that dances against the creamy cheese and savory beef.
Side Dishes
This baked penne shines when paired with a crisp green salad tossed with a zingy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus, which bring a light crunch and slight bitterness to balance the richness on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for personalized portions, perfect for parties or family dinners. It also works beautifully topped with a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or served alongside warm garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Baked Penne with Ground Beef, Cream Cheese, and Mozzarella Recipe will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this baked pasta either before or after baking. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container and remove as much air as possible. When frozen, it will hold its best quality for up to 2 months, making it a convenient, make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and bubbly, or microwave on medium power in shorter bursts to avoid drying out the dish. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce can help keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne holds the sauce beautifully thanks to its ridges and shape, rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini would also work wonderfully in this baked dish.
What can I substitute for the chive and onion cream cheese?
If you don’t have chive and onion cream cheese, plain cream cheese mixed with a pinch of dried onion flakes and chopped fresh chives makes a great substitute to keep that signature flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes, this baked penne freezes well and can be reheated without losing its delicious texture or flavor, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.
Can I add vegetables to this baked penne?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be stirred into the beef mixture before baking to add extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese and mozzarella with plant-based cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese options that melt well, and use a dairy-free spaghetti sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Penne with Ground Beef, Cream Cheese, and Mozzarella Recipe has quickly become a cherished classic in my kitchen because it effortlessly combines accessible ingredients into a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that feels like a big, delicious hug. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving comfort food on a busy night, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!
Print
Baked Penne with Ground Beef, Cream Cheese, and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Penne recipe combines a savory ground beef and onion mixture with creamy chive and onion cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef (season with salt and pepper)
- 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 6 ounces chive and onion cream cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Pasta and Seasoning
- 1/2 pound cooked penne pasta (8 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Beef Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef loses its pink color. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish light.
- Add Sauces and Cheese: Stir into the skillet the spaghetti sauce, 4 ounces of the chive and onion cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and half a cup of shredded mozzarella. Cook and stir the mixture for about 5 minutes, until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is well blended.
- Combine Pasta and Prepare for Baking: Gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the sauce mixture until everything is evenly combined. Transfer this mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Dot the remaining cream cheese evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle the remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Enjoy your delicious baked penne!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- For extra veggies, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion and garlic.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use gluten-free penne to make this recipe gluten-free.
- To add a cheesy crust, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
