Lazy Lasagna Penne Bake

This penne bake is an easy recipe with all the rich flavor of a classic lasagna. No boiling noodles separately and no layering ingredients! It’s a deliciously cheesy entree the entire family will love.

My grandfather on my dad’s side always made the best lasagna. It’s part of my family’s Christmas tradition to make his lasagna for the holidays and I love keeping that tradition alive for my kids. The only problem with that lasagna is that it’s quite an undertaking! In a traditional lasagna recipe sheets of lasagna are boiled separately. Ingredients are also combined together at different times before finally everything is layered in the casserole dish and baked. It takes quite a bit of time and I can really create a big pile of dirty dishes in the process.

Today I bring you good news! I’ve created a version that includes penne instead of lasagna sheets. This time-saving recipe uses a different pasta and removes extra steps. No tedious layering of ingredients! No precooking the pasta! The only thing we’re cooking separately is the ground meat. Then everything gets dumped together into a baking dish and baked to cheesy perfection!

This cheesy lazy lasagna recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but truly it’s so good you can serve it at holidays or special occasions too.

Lazy Lasagna Penne Bake Ingredients

• Lean ground beef or turkey: You can use either lean ground beef or ground turkey in the meat sauce for this lazy lasagna.
• Garlic: You can mince your own garlic or use a jarred variety.
• Canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes quickly help us achieve the flavor we want for our homemade sauce.
• Canned tomato sauce: Canned tomato sauce gives us the texture we’re looking for in our finished sauce. It’s also the liquid that our penne will cook in.
• Penne pasta: We’re baking the penne in the tomato sauce to make the easiest one pot meal!
• Ricotta cheese: A perfect lasagna includes a combination of three types of cheese. Ricotta is a classic addition to any lasagna. You can sub small curd cottage cheese if you prefer.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds saltiness to our entree and works its way into every delicious bite.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: After the pasta is nearly done baking we’re adding shredded mozzarella over top and popping it back in the oven. That melty cheesy goodness is the perfect finishing touch!
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper are all you need to add more flavor to this easy entree.

How to Make Lazy Lasagna Penne Bake

Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray the sides and bottom of a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. (I use an avocado oil spray but an olive oil spray will also work well.)

Add your ground beef (or turkey) to a large skillet on the stovetop. Use a spatula to crumble the meat. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until golden, about one minute.

Add the cooked ground meat with garlic to the prepared baking dish. Stir in canned crushed tomatoes, canned tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, penne pasta, parmesan cheese, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the prepared baking dish. Stir so everything is mixed together. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese in a layer on top.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven. Uncover and bake again (without foil) for an additional 15 minutes.

How to Store Leftovers

Want to enjoy this recipe the next day or later in the week? This recipe is great for meal prep! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave.

How to Serve This Easy Lasagna Penne Bake

This dish is designed to be a standalone meal but I love it paired with a simple side salad to balance the richness of the pasta. My Easy Homemade Italian Dressing is a popular choice! Sautéed Garlic Green Beans are another great addition to your meal if you’d like more veggies!

Share the Love: