Penne with Meat Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this hearty Penne with Meat Sauce, a classic Italian-inspired pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Al dente penne pasta is coated in a rich, savory meat sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, and perfectly browned ground beef, simmered in a tomato base infused with dried oregano, basil, and a touch of sugar for balance. The sauce comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a quick yet satisfying meal option. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped basil for a burst of freshness, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of a homemade Italian kitchen straight to your table. Pair it with crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete dining experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 500 grams ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is completely browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 5

Season the cooked beef with salt and black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the paste to coat the meat.

Step 6

Add the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and enhance the flavors.

Step 8

Toss the cooked penne pasta with the meat sauce until well coated.

Step 9

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1985.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3466.7

Total Fat 154.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 395.1mg	0%
Sodium 4574.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 366.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.8g	0%
Total Sugars 45.8g
Protein 168.1g	0%

Vitamin D 31.0IU	0%
Calcium 931.6mg	0%
Iron 33.3mg	0%
Potassium 4996.6mg	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: 39.3%

Protein: 19.1%

Carbs: 41.6%