Tender penne mixed with savory beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheese for a warm, satisfying dinner.
# What You Need:
→ 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
08 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Dairy
11 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Oils
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a large baking dish.
02 - Boil penne pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package instructions, then drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook chopped onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, approximately 6 to 8 minutes; drain excess fat if needed.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add tomato passata, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
06 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat pasta evenly with the beef and sauce mixture.
07 - Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle evenly with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; add remaining pasta mixture on top and cover with the remaining cheeses.
08 - Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese topping is golden and bubbling.
09 - Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
