Ingredients
- 12 ounces of penne pasta
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Substitutions are the spice of life in my kitchen, so feel free to swap the penne for any pasta you have on hand, or use turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. This is when your kitchen will start smelling like home.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for that extra burst of flavor and color.
- Serve hot, and enjoy every bite of this comforting meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International