Description
Penne Pasta with Beef Bolognese and Mozzarella
Ingredients:
For the Beef Bolognese:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup red wine (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
Salt for the pasta water
For the Topping:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Bolognese Sauce:
In a large pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Assemble the Dish:
Once the beef bolognese sauce is ready, stir in the cooked penne pasta, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Transfer the pasta to a baking dish (if desired). Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy:
This pasta dish is rich and flavorful, perfect for a comforting meal!
This dish combines hearty beef bolognese with tender pasta and gooey melted mozzarella cheese—absolutely delicious! Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof result. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped (onion chopped, garlic minced, parsley chopped). For the sauce, use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Brown the beef thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles. After adding the onion and garlic, cook until fragrant and translucent. When you add the tomato products and wine, scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate the flavorful browned bits. The simmer is crucial; let it bubble gently, uncovered, to thicken the sauce. While it simmers, cook your pasta. For assembly, combining the pasta and sauce in the skillet before transferring to a broiler-safe dish ensures every piece is coated. Watch the broiler closely to melt the cheese without burning it.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter touch, serve with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli. To elevate the presentation, finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil in addition to the parsley.
How-to Summary
To make Penne with Beef Bolognese and Mozzarella: 1) Boil and drain penne pasta. 2) Brown ground beef, then cook onion and garlic in the same pan. 3) Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, wine, and herbs; simmer for 15-20 minutes. 4) Combine the cooked pasta with the finished sauce. 5) Top with shredded mozzarella and broil until melted and bubbly. 6) Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the pasta and sauce in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to two days. Add the cheese just before broiling, and you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of red wine? You can omit it entirely or substitute with an equal amount of beef broth. A splash of balsamic vinegar also adds a nice depth of flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Rigatoni, ziti, or other short, sturdy pasta shapes work well. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti for this baked application.
How can I make the sauce richer? For a more traditional touch, add 1/4 cup of milk or cream during the simmering stage. You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions for a deeper tomato flavor.
Is it necessary to broil the dish? While the broiler gives a beautifully browned, bubbly top, you can simply sprinkle the cheese over the hot pasta and sauce in the skillet, cover with a lid for a minute, and let it melt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook pasta only to al dente, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the sauce and under the broiler.
- Not Browning the Beef Properly: Avoid steaming the meat. Cook in a hot pan without overcrowding to achieve a flavorful sear.
- Skipping the Simmer: Rushing the simmer time won’t allow the flavors to develop fully or the sauce to thicken properly.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Shredding a block of mozzarella yourself yields a superior, gooier result.
Conclusion
This Penne Pasta with Beef Bolognese and Mozzarella is the epitome of comfort food, combining a robust, savory meat sauce with perfectly cooked pasta and a golden cheese topping. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Its versatility for make-ahead meals and simple ingredient list makes it a practical yet utterly delicious choice for any weeknight or special gathering. Dig in and enjoy the satisfying results of your culinary effort.