This hearty dish brings together tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked to perfection with a layer of gooey melted cheese. The aroma of the bubbling cheese and savory beef will fill your kitchen, making everyone eagerly gather around the dinner table. What makes this dish truly special is the simplicity of its preparation combined with its incredible flavors. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that will satisfy both kids and adults alike. Let’s begin!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the greased skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce as well. If you prefer a more gooey and cheesy result, increase the amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. To make the dish more indulgent, top the baked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving. Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and the cheese to set. Serve and enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
