PAM'S EASY MINI PENNE WITH MEAT SAUCE

Pam's Easy Mini Penne with Meat Sauce image

Provided by Pam Ellingson

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 18

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1 1/2 to 2 c mini penne pasta, uncooked
1 to 2 Tbsp vegetable or olive oil
1 large shallot minced
1 clove garlic minced
1/2 lb ground chuck
1/2 lb italian sausage, sweet, casings removed
1/2 medium red sweet bell pepper, diced
1/2 medium zucchini squash, diced
1 can(s) rosemary and basil flavored diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2/3 to 1 can(s) 12 oz can v-8 juice (approximate)
2 to 3 Tbsp minced italian parsley
1 to 2 tsp each oregano, thyme, and marjoram, minced
1/4 tsp celery salt
1 to 2 tsp sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c roughly chopped green olives
2 to 3 oz grated asiago cheese for serving

Steps:

1. In a large saute pan or skillet, heat oil and add minced shallot and garlic. Stir and cook until fragrant but not brown. Add ground chuck and Italian sausage, broken into small bite sized pieces and saute until browned. Add remaining ingredients except sugar, salt and pepper, and olives. Mix well, stir occasionally and let simmer on medium low for about 20 minutes. Add olives and taste to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add as much or as little of the sugar as you like, per your preferences. Simmer until sauce is thick enough for your taste. (I like mine really thick)
2. While sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and keep warm.
3. To serve, place a portion of penne on the plate, top with 1/4 of the meat sauce and sprinkle with grated Asiago Cheese. Pass more cheese at the table if desired.