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Author:
natalieyospina
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Baked Penne with Meat Sauce
A comforting and hearty baked pasta dish featuring al dente penne mixed with a rich, savory meat-based tomato sauce, layered with generous amounts of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, then baked until golden, bubbly, and irresistible. This classic Italian-American recipe is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or feeding a crowd.
#Italian
#Baked Pasta
#Comfort Food
#Dinner
#Family Meal
#Penne
#Meat Sauce
#Cheese
#Casserole
Bubbly Baked Penne
Recipe Information
20m
Prep Time
1h 5m
Cook Time
1h 25m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Italian-American
English
Nutrition (per serving)
450
Calories
30g
Protein
45g
Carbs
20g
Fat
Cheesy Top Layer
Ingredients
Servings: 6
๐ก Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
Layering the Dish
Instructions
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- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sautรฉ until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.6m
Preview6mPreviewHeat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sautรฉ until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. - Add ground beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned completely, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot.10m
Preview10mPreviewAdd ground beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned completely, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot. - Pour in the marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes). Stir in salt, black pepper, and dried oregano (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor, stirring occasionally.25m
Preview25mPreviewPour in the marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes). Stir in salt, black pepper, and dried oregano (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor, stirring occasionally. - While the meat sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta well.12m
Preview12mPreviewWhile the meat sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta well. - In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cooked pasta with about two-thirds of the meat sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is well coated.3m
Preview3mPreviewIn a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cooked pasta with about two-thirds of the meat sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is well coated. - Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Spread a thin layer of the remaining meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.7mPreview7mPreviewPreheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Spread a thin layer of the remaining meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the pasta to set and prevent it from falling apart.30mPreview30mPreviewBake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the pasta to set and prevent it from falling apart.
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