---
title: Beef & Zucchini Baked Penne
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/beef-zucchini-baked-penne-64b6a1078c02aa0344141137
servings: 4
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 30 minutes
time required: 40 minutes
difficulty: Hard
allergens: [Wheat, Milk]
tags: [Multi-Portion, New, American, Pasta, Comfort Food]
rating: 4.5
rating_count: 1200
source_chef: Sara Heilman
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Many enjoyed the taste, though some found it bland; adding extra herbs or sauce boosted flavor.
  - theme: Ease of prep
    text: Simple to make and family-friendly; great for meal prep with plenty of leftovers.
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/beef-zucchini-baked-penne.avif"
---
Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 425°F. Bring a #large pot{} of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Trim and quarter @zucchini{2%pieces} lengthwise, then slice crosswise into ¼-inch thick rounds.

Once water boils, add @penne pasta{12%oz} to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente ~{10%minutes}. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain. Keep empty pot handy for later.

While pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of @cooking oil{1%tbsp} in a #large skillet{} over medium-high heat. Add @ground beef{12%oz}, zucchini, @italian seasoning{1%tbsp}, @garlic powder{1%tsp}, a big pinch of salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until zucchini is tender and beef is cooked through ~{5%minutes}. Remove pan from heat. If there is excess grease, carefully pour it out.

Transfer beef mixture to pot used for pasta. Add @marinara{1%cups}, @tomato paste{2%tbsp}, @chicken stock concentrate{2%oz}, and ½ cup reserved pasta water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened ~{2%minutes}. Turn off heat. Add drained penne to pot with sauce and stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Transfer pasta to a lightly oiled #9x13 baking dish{}. Carefully dollop @ricotta cheese{15%oz} all over pasta and top with @mozzarella cheese{8%oz}. Bake, uncovered, on middle rack until cheese is melted ~{10%minutes}. Increase oven temperature to broil; bake until cheese is browned ~{2%minutes}. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Let baked penne cool ~{5%minutes} before serving. Sprinkle with as many @chili flakes{1%tsp} as you like. Serve family style.