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Hearty pasta dish with ground beef and moderate protein
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 cup (medium) of Penne pasta with ground beef (220 g) has 407 calories. That works out to 185 calories per 100 g. It contains 49.3 g of carbs, 18 g of protein, 14.7 g of fat and 4 g of fiber. Its 30.8 µg of Selenium covers 56% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 48 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 220 g
407
KCAL / 220G
Carbs
49.3g
· 18% DV
Protein
18g
· 36% DV
Fat
14.7g
· 19% DV
Fiber
4g
· 14% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 49% · Protein 18% · Fat 33%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 407 kcal | |
| Total fat | 14.7 g | 19% |
| Saturated fat | 4.62 g | 23% |
| Trans fat | 0.26 g | |
| Sodium | 528 mg | 23% |
| Total carbohydrate | 49.3 g | 18% |
| Fiber | 4 g | 14% |
| Protein | 18 g | 36% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 220 g | 407 kcal |
| 1 ounce (whole) | 28 g | 52 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 90 g | 167 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 185 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 180 g | 333 kcal |
| 2 piece (medium) | 180 g | 333 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 250 g | 463 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 300 g | 555 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 350 g | 648 kcal |
Calculated from 185 calories per 100 g.
Penne pasta with ground beef is made by tossing cooked penne with a tomato-based beef sauce. Brown the beef with onion, add tomatoes and seasonings, simmer until thick, then combine with the pasta while both are hot.
A tomato sauce works especially well with penne pasta with ground beef because its ridges and hollow centers catch the sauce. Garlic, onion, oregano, and black pepper add flavor; loosen a thick sauce with a splash of pasta water.
Lean or medium-fat ground beef both work for penne pasta with ground beef. Lean beef makes a lighter sauce, while a little more fat adds richness; drain excess rendered fat before adding tomatoes if the sauce seems greasy.
Cook the penne just until firm to the bite before adding it to the beef sauce. It will soften a little more as you toss it with the hot sauce, so avoid fully cooking it in the water first.
Yes, marinara is a convenient base for penne pasta with ground beef. Brown the beef first, drain excess fat if needed, then stir in the marinara and simmer briefly so the sauce takes on the beef’s flavor.
No. Penne pasta with ground beef describes pasta served with a beef sauce, while Bolognese traditionally refers to a slow-cooked Italian meat ragù with its own customary ingredients and method. A quick tomato-and-beef sauce is not automatically Bolognese.
Serve penne pasta with ground beef with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple vegetable side. These lighter accompaniments balance the rich tomato-and-meat sauce; garlic bread is another common option if you want a heartier meal.
Penne pasta with ground beef keeps in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Refrigerate it promptly after the meal, and reheat only the portion you plan to eat until it is steaming hot throughout.
Yes, penne pasta with ground beef can be frozen, although the pasta may be softer after thawing. Cool it, portion it into airtight freezer containers, thaw it in the refrigerator, and reheat until piping hot.
Yes, you can make the beef sauce for penne pasta with ground beef ahead and refrigerate it separately. Cook the penne shortly before serving for a firmer texture; if storing the combined dish, expect the pasta to absorb some sauce.
Vitamins
B12
1.21µg · 50% DV
B3
4.62mg · 29% DV
B6
0.31mg · 18% DV
B1
0.18mg · 15% DV
Minerals
Selenium
31µg · 56% DV
Phosphorus
224mg · 32% DV
Zinc
2.97mg · 27% DV
Manganese
0.62mg · 27% DV
Sodium
528mg · 23% DV
Potassium ⭐
374mg · 11% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 407 calories in 1 cup (medium) (220 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Penne pasta with ground beef combines short, ridged penne with browned minced beef, commonly in a tomato-based sauce. Penne comes from Italy, while beef-sauce versions are a familiar home-style variation served in many places rather than one fixed regional recipe.
The ridges hold the sauce well, and the beef gives the pasta a savoury, hearty texture. Serve it hot as a straightforward lunch or dinner; a green salad or lightly cooked vegetables make a fresh contrast. It offers moderate protein alongside its pasta carbohydrates, making it a filling one-bowl meal. For a lighter plate, use a little less beef and add vegetables such as mushrooms, peppers or courgette to the sauce.
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
4.62g
MONOUNSATURATED
5.5g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.1g
Omega 6:3 ratio 13.1:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (13.1:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.