A hearty and comforting baked pasta dish featuring penne, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Ensure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when adding the onions for optimal sautéing.
Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Stir in minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute.
Adding the garlic later prevents it from burning and turning bitter.
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Cooking the tomato paste enhances its sweetness and depth of flavor.
Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits for added flavor.
Add the canned plum tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
Breaking the beef into small pieces ensures even cooking and better integration with the sauce.
Combine the cooked beef with the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Mix the sauce with the cooked penne pasta and transfer to the casserole dish.
Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce for consistent flavor.
Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Spread the cheese evenly for a uniform melt.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden crust.
Keep an eye on the broiler to prevent burning.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Resting allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.
Nutze unsere App für das beste Erlebnis
