Indulge in a classic Italian-American comfort food with our satisfying Baked Penne recipe! This dish features al dente penne pasta coated in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses, then baked to golden-brown perfection. A perfect family meal or hearty dish for entertaining, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
1 lb Penne, cooked
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb hot or sweet Italian sausage
15oz whole milk ricotta
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8on whole milk shredded mozzarella
1 egg
28oz can of San Marzano crushed tomatoes
1 small yellow onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
3/4 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbsp parsley
1tbsp olive oil
Fine sea salt and ground black pepper
Method
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat and then add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes.
Add the ground beef and sausage and cook, breaking up, until no longer pink.
Add the garlic, 1/2 tsp of the oregano, tomato paste, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste, stir well to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, parsley, and 1/4 of water and mix.
Bring to a simmer, reduce to medium low, cover halfway with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes, until thickened.
In a large bowl combine the ricotta, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, the egg, 1/4 tsp of oregano, salt and pepper to taste, and mix until smooth.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9×13 lasagna baking dish with olive oil.
Add the pasta to the meat sauce and mix well.
Add half of the pasta / sauce mix to the baking dish, spread the ricotta mixture over top of the pasta, and then the rest of the pasta / sauce on top of the ricotta.
Top with the mozzarella and rest of the Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until it is browned to your liking.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
