Pasta with meat
To prepare a delicious and hearty meal, we start by boiling the pasta in salted water, according to the instructions on the package. While it cooks, we take care of the meat filling. We preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius, so it is ready to receive our dish.
In a large skillet, we add a few tablespoons of olive oil and, over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion. The onion will become transparent and release its flavors, being careful not to burn it. Once the onion is ready, we add minced beef, pork, or a combination of both, stirring well to separate it into small pieces. We season with salt, pepper, and optionally, herbs like thyme or oregano, to add extra flavor.
After the meat is evenly browned, we pour in enough water to cover the ingredients and let it simmer. We add a tablespoon of broth dissolved in a little water to intensify the sauce's flavor. We allow the mixture to simmer on low heat until the meat becomes tender and a thick sauce forms.
Meanwhile, we check the pasta. It should not be fully cooked, as it will continue to cook later in the oven. Once it is al dente, we drain it and transfer it to a greased deep dish, being careful not to let it stick together. Together with the pasta, we add the prepared meat with its sauce, mixing everything well to combine the flavors.
We grate a generous layer of cheese on top of the dish, which will create a golden and delicious crust. We place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese melts and takes on an appetizing hue.
Finally, we take the dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. We recommend pairing this dish with a fresh tomato salad, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, which will add a pleasant contrast and a refreshing note. This recipe is sufficient to serve approximately 6 portions, making it ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 300 g minced meat; 250 g penne pasta; 1 tablespoon broth; 1 tomato; 1 red pepper; 1 small onion; grated cheese
