Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- 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 skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked penne pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 527
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 97mg
Sodium: 742mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 34g
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 substituted for the penne pasta.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use a different type of cheese such as cheddar or provolone.
- Add a layer of cooked spinach or kale between the pasta and meat sauce layers.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality crushed tomato for the sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
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 baked penne in individual serving dishes topped with fresh basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the dish before baking.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Baked pasta dishes have been popular in Italian cuisine for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory and comforting with a rich tomato sauce and cheesy layers.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked penne with a glass of red wine for a cozy and satisfying meal.
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