Ingredients

• 300 grams of pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 500 grams of minced beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 400 grams of canned tomatoes (or tomato paste)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup of grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the minced beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it starts to brown.
6. Add the canned tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Mix well.
8. Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm.