# Ingredient list:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz penne pasta
→ Meats
02 - 1.1 lb ground beef
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 24 oz tomato passata or marinara sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
08 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Dairy
11 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Oils
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a large baking dish.
02 - Boil penne pasta in salted water, cooking 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Warm olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Cook onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up. Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned, then drain excess fat if needed.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato passata, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
06 - Mix the cooked pasta into the skillet’s sauce and beef mixture, ensuring all pasta is coated evenly.
07 - Layer half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then add the remaining pasta and top with remaining cheeses.
08 - Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
09 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
