Creamy Pumpkin Beef Penne Delight
This Creamy Pumpkin Beef Penne Delight is a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The combination of lean ground beef, al dente penne pasta, and a rich pumpkin-infused sauce creates a delicious harmony of flavors and textures. Canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree can be used, tapping into the seasonal essence of fall, especially with Halloween approaching. Not only does the pumpkin provide a creamy, flavorful depth to the sauce, but it also packs a healthy punch of vitamins and nutrients. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly filling and nutritious, making it a wonderful way to utilize leftover pumpkin from your Halloween festivities. Enjoy it with a sprinkle of cheese or a side salad for a complete meal.
6
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry penne pasta
1 (cup)
lean ground beef
1 (lb)
onion
1/2 (medium, chopped)
fat-free evaporated milk
1 (12 ounce can)
pumpkin puree
1 (cup)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce can)
brown sugar
1/2 (tablespoon, packed)
paprika
1/2 (tablespoon)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 (tablespoon)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
garlic powder
1/2 (teaspoon)
black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
frozen peas
1 (cup, thawed)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry penne pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions to achieve a firm texture. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat by transferring the mixture to a paper towel-lined plate.
3
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the fat-free evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, packed brown sugar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
4
Bring the pumpkin sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once simmering, return the cooked beef and onion mixture, cooked penne pasta, and thawed peas to the skillet.
5
Stir everything together until heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste, if needed. Serve warm, garnished with grated cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
35g
Carbs
14.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pumpkin Beef Penne Delight?
This is a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal that combines lean ground beef, penne pasta, and a rich pumpkin-infused sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What are the primary ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients include dry penne pasta, lean ground beef, onion, fat-free evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, and tomato sauce.
How much fat is in one serving of this meal?
There is 7.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides 14.2g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 13 ingredients used in this recipe.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dry penne pasta.
How should I cook the penne pasta?
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package directions to achieve a firm texture.
What kind of pumpkin can I use?
You can use either canned pumpkin puree or fresh pumpkin puree.
How long does it take to cook the beef and onion?
It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to brown the beef and make the onion tender.
How do I remove excess fat from the beef?
Drain excess fat by transferring the cooked beef and onion mixture to a paper towel-lined plate.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from fat-free evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, and tomato sauce.
What seasonings are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with brown sugar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Are there any vegetables included in the dish?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 a medium chopped onion and 1 cup of thawed frozen peas.
Is this recipe suitable for fall or Halloween?
Yes, it is a seasonal fall recipe that is perfect for using leftover pumpkin from Halloween festivities.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is delicious when garnished with grated cheese or fresh herbs.
How long should the final mixture simmer?
Once all ingredients are combined, stir them together until heated through for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar?
While pumpkin is naturally fibrous, the specific fiber and sugar counts are not listed in the provided data, though 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar is used.
Can I use a different type of milk?
The recipe specifically recommends a 12-ounce can of fat-free evaporated milk for its creamy texture.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a medium onion, chopped.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include beef dinner, pumpkin recipes, one dish meals, fall recipes, quick meals, comfort food, and hearty pasta.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
What amount of tomato sauce is used?
One 8-ounce can of tomato sauce is used for the base.
Is the ground beef lean?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 lb of lean ground beef.
Should the peas be fresh or frozen?
The recipe uses 1 cup of frozen peas that have been thawed.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick, nutritious, and filling meal for busy weeknights.