A comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish with a rich meat sauce and melted cheese topping.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve even cooking.
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Don't overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.
In a blender, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.
Blending the sauce ensures a smooth and consistent texture.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into small pieces for even cooking.
Add the blended tomato sauce to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Mix the cooked pasta and pitted olives into the skillet with the sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
Ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Covering the dish helps retain moisture during baking.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a golden crust, broil for 2 minutes after baking.
Serve the baked penne hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.