Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, beef and tomato sauce, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 580
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Penne pasta can be substituted with any other type of pasta.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef and tomato sauce.
- Use a different type of cheese such as cheddar or Gouda.
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the pasta mixture before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Let the 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:
- To reheat, place the leftover penne in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked penne in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little more tomato sauce or heavy cream before baking.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Baked pasta dishes have been popular in Italian cuisine for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy as a main course.
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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Rich, Comforting