Penne Pasta with Ground Beef

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Yield 4 servings

This is a hearty but affordable weeknight meal that brings out smiles as you serve it. The strings of melted mozzarella that trail from each spoonful are just a hint of the comforting flavors to come.

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

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.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, 10-15 minutes. Add spinach; cook until wilted, 1-2 minutes.
Drain pasta; stir into beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and cook until cheese is melted, 3-4 minutes.

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.

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 Recipes Test Kitchen

Recipe Creator