Penne Rigate With Meat Sauce Peperonata
Penne Rigate with Meat Sauce Peperonata offers a hearty, flavorful meal combining tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and sweet roasted peppers, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped roasted red pepper, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, cook penne rigate pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a meat alternative for a lighter option. If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use them instead of dried for a fresher taste. This dish can also be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or crusty rolls pair nicely, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside a dish like Ziti With Pepperoni for a pasta night feast that showcases Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne Rigate With Meat Sauce Peperonata contains roughly 372 calories, with 26g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2047mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 3-4 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Just be sure to cook them down until they release their juices before adding the tomato sauce.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
What can I do with leftover meat sauce?
Leftover meat sauce can be used in various ways! Try layering it in a pasta bake or mixing it with cooked rice for a quick meal. It also works great as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for stuffed peppers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).