Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix together cooked penne, meat sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 510
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 31g
Sodium: 710mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Penne pasta can be substituted with any other type of pasta.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Add a layer of cooked spinach or kale to the baking dish before adding the penne mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
- Use a good quality Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.
- Let the baked penne cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burns.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the mixture before baking.
- If the cheese is not melted and bubbly, broil the dish for a few minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Casàt Gardesano is a traditional Italian dish from the Garda region of Italy. It is typically made with penne pasta, ground beef, and tomato sauce.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, meaty, tangy, cheesy
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Herby, Comforting