Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This easy penne pasta recipe with ground beef is a perfect weeknight dinner solution. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly healthy and adaptable to your taste. Forget complicated recipes; this one is simple enough for beginner cooks while delicious enough to impress experienced ones. Let's dive into this fantastic quick dinner idea!
Ingredients: What You'll Need
This recipe serves 4 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular, your choice!)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Delicious Meal
Get Started:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. While the water heats, prepare the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the Pasta:
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the drained pasta to the meat sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the ground beef, work in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly and doesn't steam.
- Taste and adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste the sauce as you cook and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spice it up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Variations: Explore Different Flavors
- Spicy Italian Sausage: Substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef for a richer, spicier flavor.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a creamier sauce.
- Meatless Marvel: Omit the ground beef entirely for a vegetarian version. Use lentils or mushrooms for added protein.
- Cheesy Goodness: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for extra cheesy goodness.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
This ground beef penne pasta recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. Enjoy this delicious and easy homemade cooking experience!