Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting a dish that tells a story. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
If you’re feeling adventurous, like my mother often was, you can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or add a handful of fresh spinach for an extra dose of greens.
Instructions
Let’s bring this delicious dish to life with these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step always reminds me of the way my kitchen smelled during family gatherings.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, much like the stories shared over our kitchen table.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and sauce mixture. Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Top with the remaining cheese, spreading evenly over the pasta. My daughters, Olivia and Isabella, love helping with this cheesy step.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
