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Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce
Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce
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Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
55 minutes
Satisfying penne pasta with flavorful beefy tomato sauce, infused with Italian herbs and garlic - a delicious and affordable weeknight favorite.
Ingredients:
  • 1/2 pound penne pasta (use rice pasta for gluten-free version)
  • Salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped onion (from about 1 large onion)
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and savory)
  • Dash red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme (or a pinch of dried)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound (16% fat) ground beef
  • 3 fresh basil leaves, chopped (or a 1/2 teaspoon of dried)
  • 2 1/2 cups canned chunky tomato sauce (almost 1 28-ounce can, Muir Glen brand if you can get it)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
  • Prepare the penne pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water (4 quarts) to a vigorous boil. Add the pasta, ensuring it remains uncovered. Cook on high heat according to package instructions for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in olive oil for 5 minutes until onions are softened. Add garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Heat a large cast iron pan on high heat, generously salt the bottom of the pan. Add ground beef without stirring, breaking it into small chunks. Brown the meat well on both sides, adjusting heat if needed. Remove pan from heat and let residual heat finish cooking the meat.
  • Transfer the beef using a slotted spoon to the seasoned onions in the pan. Pour in the tomato sauce, then break up larger meat chunks with a metal spatula. Sprinkle in basil and sugar, then simmer uncovered on low heat for 15 minutes.
  • Taste and season the sauce: After simmering for 15 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If needed, balance the acidity with a touch more sugar, or add more tomato sauce for moisture. Mix in the cooked penne pasta, top with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

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