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Beef penne pasta in a Mexican-style tomato-based sauce with balanced protein and carbs
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 serving (medium) of Mexican Beef Penne (250 g) has 420 calories. That works out to 168 calories per 100 g. It contains 46 g of carbs, 20.5 g of protein, 16 g of fat and 4.8 g of fiber. Its 1.8 µg of B12 covers 75% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 48 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 250 g
420
KCAL / 250G
Carbs
46g
· 17% DV
Protein
20.5g
· 41% DV
Fat
16g
· 21% DV
Fiber
4.8g
· 17% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 45% · Protein 20% · Fat 35%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal | |
| Total fat | 16 g | 21% |
| Saturated fat | 5.25 g | 26% |
| Trans fat | 0.3 g | |
| Sodium | 775 mg | 34% |
| Total carbohydrate | 46 g | 17% |
| Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% |
| Protein | 20.5 g | 41% |
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 serving (medium) | 250 g | 420 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 90 g | 151 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 168 kcal |
| 1 cup (small) | 140 g | 235 kcal |
| 2 piece (double) | 180 g | 302 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 220 g | 370 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 350 g | 588 kcal |
| 1 pack (large) | 400 g | 672 kcal |
Calculated from 168 calories per 100 g.
Mexican beef penne is made by combining cooked penne with a tomato-based sauce and browned beef. Cook the pasta separately, simmer the beef with the sauce and chosen seasonings, then toss everything together so the pasta is coated.
Mexican beef penne is a pasta dish pairing penne and beef with a tomato-based sauce seasoned in a Mexican-inspired style. Recipes may add ingredients such as peppers, corn, or beans, but there is no single fixed version.
No, Mexican beef penne is best described as a Mexican-inspired pasta dish rather than a traditional Mexican recipe. It combines Italian-style penne with beef and tomato sauce flavored with seasonings associated with Mexican cooking.
Bell peppers, corn, and beans are common additions to Mexican beef penne. Add diced peppers while cooking the beef, and stir in corn or cooked beans as the tomato sauce simmers so they warm through without turning mushy.
Yes, Mexican beef penne can be made without chili. Leave out hot peppers and chili powder, and season the beef and tomato sauce with milder options such as cumin and black pepper; serve hot sauce separately for anyone who wants it.
Cheddar or Monterey Jack can complement Mexican beef penne, though cheese is optional. Sprinkle a modest amount over the finished dish or stir it in while hot; a sharper cheese brings more flavor without needing a large topping.
Yes, you can replace penne in Mexican beef penne with another short pasta, such as fusilli or rigatoni. Choose a shape with ridges or hollows so the beef and tomato sauce cling to it well.
Yes, Mexican beef penne can be prepared ahead, but the pasta may absorb sauce and soften as it sits. For a firmer texture, store the sauce and cooked pasta separately, then combine and heat them shortly before serving.
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make good sides for Mexican beef penne. The beef-and-pasta dish is already substantial, so a fresh, lightly dressed side adds contrast without making the meal feel overly heavy.
To make Mexican beef penne less greasy, use lean ground beef and avoid adding more oil than needed to cook the meat and aromatics. Drain excess fat after browning the beef, then build the tomato sauce in the same pan.
Vitamins
B12
1.8µg · 75% DV
B3
6mg · 38% DV
B6
0.4mg · 24% DV
Biotin
5.25µg · 18% DV
Minerals
Selenium
34µg · 62% DV
Phosphorus
255mg · 36% DV
Zinc
4mg · 36% DV
Manganese
0.8mg · 35% DV
Sodium
775mg · 34% DV
Potassium ⭐
525mg · 15% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 420 calories in 1 serving (medium) (250 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.
Mexican Beef Penne combines ridged penne pasta with beef in a tomato-based sauce seasoned in a Mexican-inspired style. It brings Italian pasta together with flavours associated with Mexican cooking, making it a modern fusion dish rather than a traditional Mexican recipe.
The tomato sauce is savoury and gently spiced, while the beef makes the pasta hearty and the penne holds the sauce well. It works as an easy lunch or dinner; serve it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for freshness. With 8.2 g of protein per 100 g, it offers protein alongside its carbohydrate-rich pasta. Add extra vegetables or use a modest amount of sauce for a lighter plate.
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
5.25g
MONOUNSATURATED
6.25g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.95g
Omega 6:3 ratio 15.5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (15.5:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.