Description

How to make 30-Minute Cowboy Penne with seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a zesty tomato sauce that’s perfect for a quick family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Components:
1 pound penne pasta
1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 works well)
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
6 ounces tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
Aromatics & Vegetables:
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
Flavor Enhancers & Seasonings:
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon brown sugar, packed
Finishing Touches:
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Brown Beef: Brown the lean ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced yellow onion and bell peppers, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and dried oregano, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the tomato paste, stirring it into the beef mixture and cooking for another minute to deepen its flavor.
Simmer Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Cook Pasta: Add the penne pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed for your 30-Minute Cowboy Penne.
Season & Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Season the 30-Minute Cowboy Penne with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it has melted and become creamy.
Combine & Rest: Give the dish one final stir to ensure the cheese is fully incorporated and the rich sauce evenly coats every piece of penne. Let your 30-Minute Cowboy Penne rest for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Garnish & Serve: Ladle generous portions of your hearty 30-Minute Cowboy Penne into bowls. Garnish with the remaining shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Serve immediately for a comforting and satisfying family dinner.

Notes

Always cook tomato paste for at least one minute to develop crucial depth of flavor in the sauce.

Store leftover Cowboy Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef, but the overall flavor profile will change.

Serve this hearty dish hot from the pot, perhaps alongside a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread.

Prep vegetables and cook the beef and sauce base ahead. Add pasta and finish cooking just before serving for best texture.

Lightly toast the spices with garlic to enhance their full flavor and create a deeply aromatic sauce.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten