Recipe

Penne with Slow-Cooked Meat Sauce

Hearty Italian Penne: A Slow-Cooked Meat Sauce Delight

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with this authentic recipe for Penne with Slow-Cooked Meat Sauce. This dish combines tender penne pasta with a savory meat sauce that has been simmered to perfection, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal.

Pasta› Penne strascicate

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

2-3 hours

Total time

2 hours 20 minutes - 3 hours 20 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Omnivore, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free pasta), Dairy-free (if omitting Parmesan cheese), Low-carb (if using a low-carb pasta alternative), High-protein

Allergens

Dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Not suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan, Paleo, Keto, Nut-free

Ingredients

350g (12 oz) penne pasta 350g (12 oz) penne pasta
500g (1 lb) ground beef 500g (1 lb) ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 9g)
Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 8g)
Protein: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove any excess fat.
3.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
4.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
5.
Once the meat sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
6.
Serve the Penne with Slow-Cooked Meat Sauce hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Crushed tomatoes — Opt for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes or use fresh tomatoes that have been peeled and crushed.
Parmesan cheese — For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano cheese.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
To enhance the flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the Penne with Slow-Cooked Meat Sauce in individual pasta bowls or plates. Sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Accompany the dish with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

To present the Penne with Slow-Cooked Meat Sauce beautifully, arrange the pasta neatly on the plate and spoon the meat sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh basil for a pop of color.