Pepperoni Penne
This is a dish that I put together one day using pepperoni that I had left in the refrigerator. My family and I couldn't get enough and it has now become a monthly meal. I hope that you all enjoy!
This is a dish that I put together one day using pepperoni that I had left in the refrigerator. My family and I couldn't get enough and it has now become a monthly meal. I hope that you all enjoy!
- Carbohydrate 64.6284464103691 g
- Cholesterol 140.173183334108 mg
- Fat 29.6545973829186 g
- Fiber 9.17396677854271 g
- Protein 48.2508959673387 g
- Saturated Fat 14.6817798456523 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (314g)
- Sodium 846.504361863464 mg
- Sugar 55.4544796318264 g
- Trans Fat 3.13791349253217 g
- Calories 722 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Begin by browning ground beef in a 12-inch pan. Season with all-purpose seasoning (I use adobo, which can be found in the Spanish aisle of your grocery store), garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Once meat is no longer pink and cooked completely, add 1.5 jars of spaghetti sauce. If this isn't enough sauce for you, you may add 2 jars instead. Stir the sauce and simmer on low.
- Meanwhile, cook penne according to box directions. I always add a little salt to the water. Drain once it is cooked, and put it into the meat sauce that should still be simmering. Mix the penne until well coated with the sauce.
- Add in the green onions and mix one more time.
- Using a 9x13 pan, assemble the dish by placing half of the mixture in the pan and sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Add in the second layer of the pasta and sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and layer pepperoni on top. I always do rows of 7.
- Place pan in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pepperoni is cooked and cheese is bubbly.
- Enjoy!!!
My Go-To Comfort Food: Pepperoni Penne
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can be a real challenge. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the ever-present to-do list. But even amidst the chaos, I strive to create meals that my family loves and that bring us together around the dinner table. This Pepperoni Penne recipe has become a staple in our home, a comforting and flavorful dish that's surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of days. It started as a spontaneous creation – a way to use up leftover pepperoni – but it quickly transformed into a family favorite, a meal we now enjoy at least once a month.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup time and maximizing flavor. The rich tomato basil sauce, perfectly cooked penne, savory ground beef, and the delightful crunch of pepperoni create a symphony of textures and tastes. Topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even my picky eaters devour every bite! I often adapt the recipe depending on what I have available. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, and other times I experiment with different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless, which makes this recipe even more adaptable to my ever-changing schedule.
The recipe itself is incredibly forgiving. Don't worry if you don't have the exact measurements – a little more or less of an ingredient won't significantly impact the final taste. It’s all about balancing the flavors and ensuring that everything is cooked through. The best part? The entire process comes together surprisingly quickly. While the penne is cooking, you can simultaneously brown the ground beef and prepare the sauce. It’s a streamlined cooking experience that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. The final baking step is the cherry on top, resulting in a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Beyond being a simple and delicious weeknight meal, this Pepperoni Penne holds a special place in our family's routine. It’s become more than just a recipe; it's a symbol of coming together, of sharing a meal, and creating lasting memories. It’s the kind of food that sparks conversations and laughter, turning an ordinary dinner into a cherished moment. The aroma alone fills our kitchen with warmth and anticipation, inviting us to gather around the table and enjoy the fruits of our labor. And the leftovers? They're just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy schedules.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly tasty recipe that the whole family will love, give my Pepperoni Penne a try. It’s a guaranteed winner, a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of love. The satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, something that brings joy to my loved ones, is truly rewarding. This dish isn't just a meal; it's a taste of home, a reminder of the simple pleasures, and a delicious way to end a busy day.
