Mince Meat Pasta Bake

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set it aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

6. Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce in the skillet, stirring well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.

7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.

9. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

10. Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and extra flavor.