Name: Penne Pasta with Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Penne Pasta with Beef is a hearty, satisfying dish that combines tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a robust tomato-based sauce infused with herbs and spices. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering both comfort and bold flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love this recipe for its simplicity, versatility, and rich, comforting taste. The sauce clings beautifully to the ridges of the penne, ensuring every mouthful is filled with flavor. This dish is easy to prepare, uses pantry staples, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices. It is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy weeks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Penne pasta
Ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
Olive oil
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt
Black pepper
Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the beef and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps if using ground beef. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Add the onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss to combine.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetable boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce.
Creamy version: Stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone at the end for a richer sauce.
Spicy twist: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Cheesy bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What type of beef works best?

Ground beef is convenient, but thinly sliced steak or roast beef also works well for a different texture.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli are good alternatives.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.

What is the best way to add more flavor?

Simmer the sauce longer or add a splash of red wine for depth.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.

What cheese is best for topping?

Parmesan is classic, but Pecorino Romano or mozzarella are also delicious.

Is it necessary to drain the beef?

If there is excess fat, it is advisable to drain it to avoid a greasy sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or stir in a bit of tomato paste.

What sides go well with this dish?

Garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables complement it nicely.

Conclusion

Penne Pasta with Beef is a comforting and flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy. With its rich sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, it offers a complete and fulfilling dining experience. Simple to prepare and endlessly versatile, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Penne Pasta with Beef

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Penne Pasta with Beef is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender beef in a robust tomato-based sauce tossed with penne pasta and finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add beef and cook until browned, breaking up clumps if using ground beef. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss to combine.
Serve hot topped with Parmesan and parsley.