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
Scale
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.
