Penne with Cheesy Meat Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Penne with Cheesy Meat Sauce recipe, a hearty dish that marries perfectly al dente pasta with a rich, creamy tomato-based meat sauce. Featuring tender ground beef, aromatic garlic and onion, and a luscious blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, every bite is bursting with flavor. Infused with dried oregano and basil for a touch of Italian flair, the sauce reaches velvety perfection with a splash of heavy cream. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, this family-friendly pasta dish offers a one-pan finish for effortless cleanup. Serve it bubbling hot, garnished with fresh parsley, for a meal that’s sure to satisfy both weeknight cravings and weekend gatherings. Perfect for fans of cheesy pasta recipes, Italian-inspired cuisine, and hearty comfort food!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Penne pasta
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and incorporate fully into the sauce.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss until the pasta is fully coated.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes over low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4080 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 194.5 g | 249% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.5 g | 412% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 569 mg | 190% | |
| Sodium | 3926 mg | 171% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 406.9 g | 148% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.4 g | 123% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.5 g | ||
| Protein | 186.8 g | 374% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1566 mg | 120% | |
| Iron | 33.3 mg | 185% | |
| Potassium | 5352 mg | 114% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
