Penne Pasta with Ground Beef

Pasta is one of those beloved ingredients found in most households. It’s affordable, delicious, and incredibly versatile. I couldn’t even tell you exactly how many pasta recipes I’ve shared on my blog—there are a lot, that much I know!

While I don’t eat pasta as often, I make it at least twice a week for my boys. It’s my go-to for a quick meal or simply because they’re craving it. It’s also a great option if you have unexpected guests knocking on your door.

What I love most about this one is its endless possibilities. Whether you prefer it vegetarian, with beef or chicken, paired with tomato sauce, or smothered in Alfredo, there’s always a way to make it your own. Even something as simple as olive oil pasta, one of my personal favorites, can be incredibly satisfying.

Tube-Shaped to try:

If you’re looking to swap out penne for something different, here are some other great tube-shaped options:

Rigatoni: Larger tubes with ridges, perfect for holding thicker sauces.

Ziti: Smooth, smaller tubes often used in baked dishes like ziti al forno.

Tortiglioni: Similar to rigatoni but with deeper, more pronounced grooves.

Each type has its own unique texture and charm, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes to elevate your dishes.

Tips for Plant-Based:

If beef isn’t your thing, there are so many amazing vegetables you can use to create a delicious, plant-based pasta. Mushrooms, spinach, peas, and broccoli are some of my favorites for adding flavor, texture, and nutrients to your dish.

Any kind of noodle form is truly a blank canvas, ready for you to get creative. Let me know if you’d like specific tips for pairing sauces or ingredients with your pasta of choice—I’d love to help inspire your next meal

RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

Bruschetta Pasta Salad

Tomato Pesto Pasta with Shrimp

Quick and Easy Pasta with Beef Sauce

Do let me know when you make this yummy meal. Please, tag me on social media so I can see your creation.

Thanks for your support! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest; search @sandraseasycooking

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Yield: Serves 4

Penne Pasta with Ground Beef

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Penne Pasta with Ground Beef is an easy and tasty recipe for the whole family to enjoy!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 oz (350g) penne pasta
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced or chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 celery rib, diced
• 1 cup carrots, diced (you can use frozen)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. crushed chili flakes
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion, celery, and minced garlic until fragrant. Add small diced carrots, cooking until it starts to soften, about 5–7 minutes. If you're using frozen or canned time will be drastically changed.
4. Build the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, and crushed chili flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Combine: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix well. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Serve: Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
   

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 753Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 402mgCarbohydrates: 125gFiber: 9gSugar: 7gProtein: 29g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, but we try our best.

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