Penne with minced meat

Penne with minced meat - a quick and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Penne with minced meat is a classic recipe that is easy to prepare and will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. It is a versatile dish, perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal during the week. So, let’s get started!

Necessary ingredients:
- 250 g penne (or other preferred pasta)
- 500 g minced meat (you can use beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 medium onion (choose a yellow onion for a sweeter taste)
- 200 ml tomato juice (or fresh crushed tomatoes for a more intense flavor)
- 100 ml water (helps to dilute the sauce)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh or dried basil (for added aroma)
- Grated Parmesan (for serving)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boiling the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a good tablespoon of salt to the water to flavor the penne. When the water is boiling, add the penne and let them cook according to the package instructions (usually between 8-12 minutes). Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Preparing the meat sauce
While the pasta is boiling, take a large skillet and add a bit of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the peeled and finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes shiny and lightly golden (about 3-5 minutes). This is an essential step, as caramelized onion will add depth and sweetness to the sauce.

3. Adding the meat
To the sautéed onion, add the minced meat. Use a wooden spatula to break it apart and distribute it evenly in the pan. Let the meat cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is evenly browned. It’s important to ensure that there are no large pieces of meat left, to achieve a pleasant texture in the sauce.

4. Cooking the sauce
Once the meat is well browned, add the water to the pan and let everything simmer on low heat. This step will help rehydrate the meat and create a juicier sauce. After a few minutes, add the tomato juice, stirring well. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and basil to taste. Let it simmer on low heat for another 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Mixing the pasta with the sauce
When the penne are cooked, drain them well and add them directly to the pan with the meat sauce. Mix well so that all the pasta is evenly coated with sauce. This step will ensure that every bite is full of flavor.

6. Serving
Penne with minced meat is now ready to be served. Portion it into deep plates and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top, which will melt slightly and add a savory taste. You can decorate the plate with a few fresh basil leaves for a more appealing look.

Useful tips:
- You can add vegetables like grated carrots or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrients and color.
- If you like a spicier sauce, feel free to add some chili flakes.
- Instead of Parmesan, you can use feta cheese for a different flavor note.
- If you have time, let the sauce simmer longer to intensify the flavors.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 600 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g

This dish pairs perfectly with a light green salad and a glass of red wine or mineral water with lemon. Penne with minced meat is also ideal for lunch, being easy to reheat and enjoy again.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- What else can I add to the sauce? You can experiment with mushrooms, zucchini, or olives to diversify the recipe.
- Is the recipe suitable for vegans? You can replace the meat with textured soy or mushrooms and use vegan cheese to achieve a similar result.

Enjoy every bite of this simple yet flavorful recipe and share it with your loved ones! Penne with minced meat can quickly become a favorite in your home, thanks to its comforting taste and simple preparation process. Bon appétit!