Hearty Penne Beef

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Nov. 17, 2023
This is comfort food at its finest! The best of everything is found here—it's tasty, easy and a smart way to sneak in some spinach for extra nutrition. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hearty Penne Beef Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1-3/4 cups uncooked penne pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes, breaking into crumbles. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in tomato puree, broth, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
  2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, 10-15 minutes. Add spinach; cook until wilted, 1-2 minutes.
  3. Drain pasta; stir into beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and cook until cheese is melted, 3-4 minutes.

Can you freeze Hearty Penne Beef?

Freeze cooled pasta mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add broth or water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 482 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1001mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.