Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 1 lb (450 g) penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded provolone (optional)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the penne until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Mix the cooked penne with the meat sauce.
6. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6