There’s something truly comforting about a hearty pasta dish that warms your soul and fills your home with the aroma of savory flavors melding together. Today, we’re sharing a recipe for Penne Pasta Ragu that will soon become a family favorite. This classic Italian dish brings together tender penne pasta with a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce that is slowly simmered to perfection. Let’s dive into creating this delicious and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
**Penne Pasta Ragu**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound penne pasta
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely diced
– 1 celery stalk, finely diced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Penne:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Ragu Sauce:** In a large skillet or dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. **Add Aromatics:** Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. **Combine Pasta and Ragu:** Add the cooked penne pasta to the pot with the ragu sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. **Serve:** Serve the Penne Pasta Ragu hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
7. **Enjoy:** Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this comforting Penne Pasta Ragu together. The rich, meaty sauce paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Indulge in a cozy meal that captures the essence of Italian comfort food with this Penne Pasta Ragu recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish will evoke feelings of warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Let the flavors meld and simmer slowly to create a meal that nourishes both body and soul.
