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Ground Beef Penne Pasta

Ground Beef Penne Pasta Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz / 794g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 lb (450g) penne pasta
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Brown the beef, breaking it up, for about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add onion and cook 3 minutes, then garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, and basil and cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in the cream and adjust seasoning.
  4. Add the drained penne to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in splashes of pasta water if needed until glossy.
  5. Toss in the Parmesan, then serve with extra cheese and basil.

Notes

The sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently while you boil the penne fresh. For a thicker, meatier sauce, use 1 ½ lbs ground beef.