One-Pot Spicy Beef and Tomato Penne
A hearty and spicy beef pasta cooked in one pot with ripe tomatoes and a hint of chili for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, ground beef, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 14.5 oz can canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 diced medium yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Step 3: Add 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 cups beef broth, and 12 oz penne pasta to the skillet. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Beef and Tomato Penne take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spicy 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy Beef and Tomato Penne?
Italian beef 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.
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