Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef (Printable Version)

Hearty pasta dish combining savory ground beef, Italian seasonings, and gooey melted cheeses for a satisfying family-friendly meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 450g penne pasta

→ Protein

02 - 450g ground beef

→ Aromatics

03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce

05 - 425g tomato sauce
06 - 410g diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese

10 - 100g shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - 50g grated Parmesan cheese

→ Additional

12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
13 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
02 - Add the penne to the boiling water and stir occasionally. Cook according to package instructions (11-13 minutes) until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and simmer for 10 minutes.
06 - Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss gently until well coated. If mixture is too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth.
07 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the mixture. Stir gently to combine and allow cheese to melt.
08 - Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
09 - Grease a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the cheesy penne mixture into the dish, spreading evenly.
10 - Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top for a golden crust.
11 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
12 - Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
13 - Portion onto plates and serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

# Notes:

01 - For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the aromatics.
02 - Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

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