One-Pot Ground Beef and Tomato Penne
A hearty pasta dish with savory ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. This italian-inspired meal prep ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, penne pasta, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no pink remains; drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 3 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz penne pasta to the skillet, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Let sit for 2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Ground Beef and Tomato Penne take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Ground Beef and Tomato Penne?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Ground Beef and Tomato Penne?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Ground Beef and Tomato Penne for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Ground Beef and Tomato Penne?
Italian meal prep like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this penne. It's become a regular in our meal prep rotation.
- ★★★★★
This recipe saved my weeknight dinners! The flavors were spot on and so easy to make.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for busy days. One pot, no mess, and delicious!
