Dragged Penne with Meat Sauce

Savor the rich and comforting flavors of Dragged Penne with Meat Sauce, a hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe features al dente penne pasta, tossed in a robust meat sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, ground beef, and a splash of dry red wine for depth. A carefully balanced blend of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried herbs like oregano and basil creates a velvety sauce, while a touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Tossed together with the pasta and finished with optional Parmesan and fresh parsley, this dish is a symphony of savory flavors. Ready in just an hour, Dragged Penne with Meat Sauce is a one-pot wonder that’s sure to leave your family asking for seconds. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is easy to customize and pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or warm garlic bread!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 450 g penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 500 g ground beef
• 400 g crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 120 ml dry red wine
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 3 liters water (for boiling pasta)
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

Directions

Step 1

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.

Step 3

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink.

Step 5

5. Stir in the dry red wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes to deglaze the pan and reduce the liquid slightly.

Step 6

6. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 7

7. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 8

8. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce, letting it cook together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 9

9. Serve the dragged penne hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4737.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3469.1

Total Fat 139.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 371.9mg	0%
Sodium 10128.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 378.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.7g	0%
Total Sugars 25.5g
Protein 166.5g	0%

Vitamin D 20IU	0%
Calcium 763.1mg	0%
Iron 30.1mg	0%
Potassium 3736.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.6%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 44.0%