Apples and Ground Beef Pasta

Discover a unique twist on comfort food with this Apples and Ground Beef Pasta recipe, a delightful fusion of savory and subtly sweet flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Featuring tender ground beef, caramelized sweet-tart apples, and a creamy Parmesan-infused sauce, this dish is elevated with a hint of ground cinnamon for a burst of warmth. Penne pasta serves as the hearty base, absorbing every luscious layer of flavor, while fresh parsley adds a bright, aromatic finish. With simple ingredients like yellow onion, garlic, and olive oil, this easy-to-follow recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a satisfying meal that's brimming with creative flair. Whether you're craving something out of the ordinary or looking to impress dinner guests, this versatile one-pan wonder is sure to please every palate!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 medium apple (preferably a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady)
• 12 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta of your choice)
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, dice the onion and peel, core, and chop the apples into small bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Add the chopped apples to the skillet along with the ground cinnamon. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the apples are soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 6

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 7

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1620.5 grams (1620.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3170

Total Fat 210.10g	269%
Saturated Fat 96.70g	484%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 578mg	193%
Sodium 4529mg	197%
Total Carbohydrate 182.50g	66%
Dietary Fiber 18.00g	64%
Total Sugars 52.50g
Protein 144.60g	289%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1465mg	113%
Iron 11mg	63%
Potassium 2021mg	43%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.1%

Protein: 18.1%

Carbs: 22.8%