# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz penne pasta
→ Meats
02 - 1.1 lb ground beef
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 24 oz tomato passata or marinara sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
08 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Dairy
10 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Oils
12 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish.
02 - Boil penne pasta in salted water, cooking 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato passata, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
06 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to thoroughly coat all pasta with the beef sauce mixture.
07 - Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheeses.
08 - Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
09 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
