Description
How to make 30-Minute Cowboy Penne with ground beef, pasta, and zesty tomato sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- Hearty Foundation:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- Zesty Flavor Builders:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Essential Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Finishing Touches:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown Beef & Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Season & Simmer: Stir minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Ensure everything is well combined.
- Add Pasta: Stir the penne pasta directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. This is where the magic happens for your 30-Minute Cowboy Penne, allowing the pasta to cook perfectly in the zesty sauce.
- Simmer & Cook: Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. If needed, add a splash more broth for desired consistency. The sauce will thicken nicely as it cooks.
- Stir Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and creamy, creating that rich, comforting texture for your 30-Minute Cowboy Penne. Ensure the cheese is well incorporated throughout the dish.
- Garnish & Serve: Ladle generous portions of the Quick 30-Minute Cowboy Penne into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and a burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this ultimate weeknight hero with your family!
Notes
Always drain excess fat from ground beef after browning to prevent a greasy, watery sauce. This ensures rich flavor.
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Discard if off smells appear.
Ground turkey can substitute beef, but expect a slightly altered, leaner flavor; add extra olive oil if needed.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheddar. Pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
You can prep the beef and veggie base a day ahead; cook with pasta just before serving for best texture.
For ultimate creaminess, remove from heat and gradually stir in freshly shredded cheese until perfectly smooth.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten, Fish