Discover the restaurant-quality pasta dish that will transform your weeknight dinners forever! This incredibly satisfying beef pasta recipe combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with aromatic shiitake mushrooms and al dente penne in a rich, creamy sauce that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Once you try this homemade masterpiece, you’ll wonder why you ever needed takeout.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- Penne pasta: 400g (14 oz)
- Water: for boiling
- Salt: 1 tsp for pasta water
For the Beef and Sauce:
- Ground beef patties: 2 large patties (450g / 1 lb), crumbled
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Meat seasoning: 1 tsp
- Shiitake mushrooms: 200g (7 oz), sliced
- Garlic clove: 1 large clove, minced
- Fresh ginger root: 1 tbsp, finely chopped
- Butter: 1 tbsp (15g)
- Large onion: 1 onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
- Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp
- Italian herbs: ½ tsp
- Marinara sauce or passata: 450g (2 cups)
- Heavy cream: ½ cup (120ml)
- Fresh basil leaves: handful, chopped
- Parmesan cheese: 60g (2 oz), grated
Instructions
Step 1: Start the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely.
Step 3: Cook the Onion (Optional)
If using onion, add finely chopped onion to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and translucent. This adds incredible depth to the sauce.
Step 4: Brown the Beef
Add crumbled ground beef patties to the pan. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and meat seasoning. Break up any lumps with a spatula and cook for 8 minutes, stirring frequently until well-browned.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Add minced garlic and fresh chopped ginger to the beef. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 6: Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste and Dijon mustard, cooking for 30 seconds. Add Italian herbs and mix well to coat the meat evenly.
Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in marinara sauce or passata. Mix thoroughly and let simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Create Creaminess
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
Step 9: Add Mushrooms
Add sliced shiitake mushrooms to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
Step 10: Combine and Finish
Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Stir in fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 11: Serve
Transfer to serving bowls and top generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Time and Serving Information
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 portions
- Calories: Approximately 520 per serving
Nutrition Highlights
High in protein from ground beef, complex carbohydrates from pasta, and essential nutrients from mushrooms. Contains iron, B vitamins, selenium, and calcium from Parmesan cheese. The addition of ginger provides anti-inflammatory properties.
Why This Recipe is Healthy
This beef pasta recipe delivers exceptional nutritional value while satisfying comfort food cravings. Ground beef provides high-quality complete protein essential for muscle maintenance and iron for healthy blood function. Shiitake mushrooms contribute powerful immune-boosting compounds, selenium, and B vitamins that support energy metabolism. The fresh ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, while the moderate use of cream provides calcium and vitamin D. By preparing this dish at home, you control the quality of ingredients and avoid the excessive sodium and preservatives found in restaurant meals. The balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats creates sustained energy and satisfaction, making it a perfect family-friendly meal that supports both taste preferences and nutritional needs.