Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Sauce and Garnish
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium beef broth, Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the creamy beef pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess without the heaviness of cream; be sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For added vegetables, consider stirring in spinach or mushrooms during the sauté step.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt as the Parmesan and broth add saltiness.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
