Hearty Beef Penne

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Hearty Beef Penne, a robust pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe features tender penne pasta coated in a rich, savory tomato sauce, infused with aromatic herbs like basil and oregano. Ground beef adds a satisfying heartiness, while a touch of red pepper flakes provides a subtle kick. Finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and optional fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, this one-pot wonder is as easy to make as it is delicious. Ready in just 45 minutes, Hearty Beef Penne is a family-friendly meal that combines classic Italian-inspired flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine with the beef mixture. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and reduce heat to low.

Step 5

Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 7

Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.

Step 8

Serve the Hearty Beef Penne hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1828.9 grams (1828.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2943

Total Fat 128.70g	165%
Saturated Fat 44.60g	223%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 361mg	120%
Sodium 4365mg	190%
Total Carbohydrate 321.70g	117%
Dietary Fiber 30.30g	108%
Total Sugars 46.20g
Protein 148.70g	297%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 775mg	60%
Iron 29mg	162%
Potassium 5063mg	108%

*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: 38.1%

Protein: 19.6%

Carbs: 42.3%