Penne with minced meat and mushrooms

Penne with Ground Meat and Mushrooms

Discover a delicious and easy-to-make recipe for penne with ground meat and mushrooms, perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner. This dish is a classic example of comfort food, bringing together simple yet tasty ingredients in a combination that will make you feel at home.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 500 g penne
- 300 g mixed ground meat (pork and beef)
- 200 g mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- 500 g tomatoes in sauce
- 9 garlic cloves (4 + 5)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 chili pepper (or more, to taste)
- Olive oil

A Brief History

Pasta has been brought to the center of gastronomy from various corners of the world, with deep roots in culinary traditions. In combination with meat and vegetables, these dishes have gained popularity due to their versatility and how they can be adapted to different tastes. Penne, with its characteristic shape, is perfect for capturing the rich sauce and flavors of the ingredients.

Step by Step to Achieve This Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before starting to cook, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Wash the mushrooms well and slice them, and halve the garlic. These preparations will make cooking faster and more efficient.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the 4 halved garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden, being careful not to burn them as they can become bitter. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and discard.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Add the ground meat to the skillet, stirring constantly to cook it evenly. Make sure it browns well and is no longer pink. This step is essential for achieving a tender texture and intense flavor.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Spices

When the meat is well cooked, add the chopped tomatoes in sauce. Also, add a little water (about 100 ml) and salt to taste. Let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. This time will allow the flavors to combine and intensify.

Step 5: Flavor with Herbs

After the sauce has simmered, add the 5 halved garlic cloves, basil leaves, and oregano. These fresh herbs will give the dish a special flavor. Continue to cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Add the Mushrooms and Spicy Seasonings

Once the sauce has simmered, add the mushrooms (if using canned mushrooms, rinse them well before use), sweet paprika, and finely chopped chili pepper. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the mushrooms are cooked and the sauce becomes rich and thick.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes. Make sure the pasta is al dente so it doesn't fall apart in the sauce.

Step 8: Combine Pasta with Sauce

After the pasta is cooked, drain it well and add it to the skillet over the flavorful sauce. Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If desired, you can add a little olive oil for extra flavor.

Serving

Serve the penne with ground meat and mushrooms immediately, alongside a glass of white or red wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish. You can sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for an additional note of flavor.

Helpful Tip

If you want to add extra texture, you can sprinkle some toasted nuts on top. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, for a deeper flavor.

Variations and Combinations

This recipe is extremely versatile. You can substitute the ground meat with tofu or seitan for a vegetarian option. Also, adding vegetables like zucchini or finely chopped carrot can make the dish even healthier.

Nutritional Information

A serving of penne with ground meat and mushrooms contains approximately 600 calories, providing a good combination of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the pasta, and fiber from the vegetables. Garlic and fresh herbs bring additional benefits, such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice, adding extra fiber and nutrients.

How can I store the sauce for later use?
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later use.

What other spices can I use?
You can experiment with spices like thyme, rosemary, or even a little cumin to change the flavor profile of the sauce.

Personal Note

This penne with ground meat and mushrooms recipe is one of my favorites for family meals. The act of heating the oil and sautéing the garlic is a ritual that reminds me of my childhood when my mother cooked in the kitchen and the aroma of sautéed garlic filled the whole house. I hope you feel this warmth in every bite! Enjoy your meal!