A savory blend of beef, penne, tomato sauce, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz penne pasta
→ Meats
02 - 1.1 lb ground beef
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 24 oz tomato passata or marinara sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
08 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
09 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Dairy
10 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Oils
12 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish approximately 9x13 inches.
02 - Boil penne in salted water, cooking 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes, then add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
04 - Add ground beef to skillet, breaking it up. Cook until fully browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomato passata, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
06 - Add cooked pasta to skillet, stirring to fully coat with sauce and beef mixture.
07 - Transfer half the pasta mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add remaining pasta and top with remaining cheeses.
08 - Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
09 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
