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Greek-Style Penne with Mince (My Mama’s Recipe)

Penne Pasta with Kima in Tray
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If you’re after an easy penne pasta with ground beef recipe that’s comforting, simple and full of flavour, this is one I grew up with.

This Greek-style penne with mince is inspired by traditional makaronia me kima, but instead of serving the sauce over spaghetti, everything is mixed together for a more hearty, family-style dish. It’s the kind of meal that comes together easily but still feels like proper home cooking.

It’s also very closely related to my mama’s pastitsio – in fact, this is essentially my mama’s pastitsio recipe without the béchamel. Same base, same flavour, just lighter and quicker to make.

We use penne pasta, a rich tomato-based mince, and finish it either simply as-is, baked with a little cheese, or, my favourite – topped with crumbled feta.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

-Easy, everyday ingredients
-Ready faster than traditional pasta bakes
-Lighter than pastitsio (no béchamel)
-Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
-Flexible – serve fresh or bake with toppings like shredded cheese or feta

Tips for the Best Penne with Mince

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Keep it al dente so it holds its shape when mixed with the sauce.

Let the Sauce Thicken

A slightly thicker sauce helps it cling to the pasta and avoids a watery finish.

Season Properly

Simple ingredients rely on good seasoning, don’t skip tasting and adjusting salt.

Choose Your Finish
Cheese bake → more indulgent, closer to a pasta bake
Feta → lighter, more Greek-style flavour

It’s Even Better the Next Day

Like most mince-based dishes, the flavour deepens overnight.

Penne Pasta with Kima in Tray

Greek-Style Penne with Mince (My Mama’s Recipe)

This Greek-style penne with mince is an easy, comforting pasta dish made with seasoned beef, tomato sauce and penne pasta. Inspired by traditional makaronia me kima and pastitsio, this version skips the béchamel for a quicker, lighter meal that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Optional bake time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta & Mince
  • 500 g penne pasta
  • 800 g beef mince
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes with herbs
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • ½ onion diced
  • 1.5 cups water
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Olive oil

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Mince
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook until softened, then add the garlic.
  3. Add the beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
  1. Stir through the tomato paste, then add the crushed tomatoes, water oregano and salt.
  2. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the mince mixture and stir until everything is well coated and combined.
Optional Step 5: Bake
  1. Transfer to a baking dish.
  2. You can either:
  3. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 15 minutes until golden
  4. Or crumble over feta (our preference) and lightly warm through

How to Serve

This easy penne and mince recipe is a full meal on its own, but you can serve it with:

– A fresh salad
– Yiayia’s Village Bread

It’s perfect for:

-Weeknight dinners
-Meal prep
-Feeding a crowd

How to Store Penne Pasta with Beef Mince

Fridge: 3–4 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheat: Microwave or oven until heated through

FAQs: Penne Pasta with Mince Recipe

1.Is this the same as makaronia with kima (spaghetti with meat sauce?)

Not quite. This version mixes the pasta and sauce together, giving you a more evenly coated, hearty dish.

2.Can I turn this into a pasta bake?

Yes, just top with shredded cheese and bake for 15 minutes until golden.

3.What’s the difference between this and pastitsio?

Pastitsio includes a thick béchamel layer on top. This version skips that step, making it quicker and lighter.

4.Can I use other pasta?

Yes, while penne works well, you can use other short pasta shapes.

5.Is this similar to makaronia me kima?

It’s inspired by it, but traditionally that dish is served with spaghetti and sauce layered on top rather than mixed through.

More Ground Beef Recipes

Authentic Greek Moussaka Recipe with Eggplant Potatoes and Zucchini

My Mama’s Best Greek Pastitsio Recipe (Authentic Family Style)

Beef Rissoles Recipe (Easy, Juicy & Full of Flavour)

Soutzoukakia (Greek Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)

Authentic Greek Bifteki Recipe (Yiayia Vaso’s Famous Bifteki Recipe)

Yuvarlakia Meatball Soup: A Greek Avgolemono Winter Delight

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