Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef for protein base
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
6 to 8 garlic cloves
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree
1 can (15 ounces) fire-roasted tomatoes with seasonings, drained
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
3 cups water
12 ounces uncooked penne pasta for structure
1/2 cup heavy cream for creaminess
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1-Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick, oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground meat seasoned with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook until browned. Add diced yellow onion and 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced, and cook until softened.
2-Add 1 chopped red bell pepper (optional) and 6 to 8 garlic cloves; cook for 1 minute. Stir in 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 ounces) drained fire-roasted tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 1/2 teaspoons chicken bouillon, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, and dried herbs (1 1/2 teaspoons basil, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon parsley). Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3-Stir in 3 cups water and 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta. Cover and cook at a vigorous simmer for 12 to 16 minutes, stirring occasionally and replacing the lid, until pasta is al dente and liquid is absorbed. Taste frequently to avoid overcooking.
4-Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, and 1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese until combined.
5-Evenly top with 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese and place skillet under broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden. Let sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
๐ณ Use a one-skillet method to minimize cleanup and speed preparation.
๐ง Substitute or omit vegetables as desired to suit your taste.
โ Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days and taste better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering and broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 52 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 36 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
