Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 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 the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. In the 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked penne pasta on the bottom.
9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
10. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the ricotta cheese mixture.
11. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
12. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta cheese mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
13. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
14. Bake for 25 minutes.
15. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
16. Let the Casalina Baked Penne cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 500
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 33g
Sodium: 840mg
Sugar: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for the ricotta cheese.
- Any type of pasta can be used instead of penne.
Variations:
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Add spinach or kale to the ricotta cheese mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a good quality canned tomato for the sauce.
- Let the Casalina Baked Penne cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
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 the Casalina Baked Penne in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta is too dry, add more sauce or a splash of milk to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- If the cheese is not melted and bubbly, broil for a few minutes until golden brown.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Casalina Baked Penne is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
The Casalina Baked Penne is a savory and hearty dish with a rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Casalina Baked Penne with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian meal.
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Region: Italian