Baked Penne Recipe
With Bolognese sauce and Italian cheese.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Bolognese Sauce
Cheese
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add 2 cups of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Preparing Bolognese Sauce
- 2
Cook the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of chopped onion, 1 medium diced carrot, and 1 diced stalk of celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Brown the Meat
Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- 4
Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Combine Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Baking the Dish
- 6
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 7
Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained penne pasta with the Bolognese sauce. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
- 8
Assemble the Dish
In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- 9
Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.