Beef and Lentil Penne Skillet: A Quick and Nourishing Meal

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Beef and Lentil Penne Skillet: A Quick and Nourishing Meal

Let’s be real—after a solid workout, all I can think about is carbs. It’s like my body is shouting, “Feed me pasta, STAT!”But instead of reaching for the usual, I whip up this Beef and Lentil Penne Skillet—a hearty, high-protein meal that satisfies those carb cravings while keeping things balanced.

For this recipe, I source my ground beef from The Turnip Truck, one of my favorite local spots here in Nashville. Their high-quality, locally-sourced meat is unbeatable. Plus, I grab all my veggies from their produce section—fresh, vibrant, and oh-so-flavorful. Using wholesome ingredients makes this dish feel indulgent but healthy, perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.

Why You’ll Love It

  1. Protein Powerhouse: Between the lean ground beef and Ancient Harvest Lentil Protein Penne, each serving packs nearly 47g of protein—great for muscle recovery and staying full.
  2. Easy Veggie Boost: Spinach and mushrooms bring in fiber, vitamins, and a pop of color.
  3. Meal Prep Hero: This dish reheats beautifully, so you can make it ahead for busy weeknights or post-workout meals.
  4. Customizable Comfort Food: You can tweak the seasoning, cheese, or add more veggies based on your preferences.

Ingredients (Makes 4 Servings)

  • 1 box (8 oz) Ancient Harvest Lentil Protein Penne
  • 1 lb (16 oz) ground beef (lean or extra-lean, sourced from The Turnip Truck)
  • 1 cup baby spinach (fresh from Turnip Truck’s produce section)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, but let’s be honest—who skips cheese?)
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook the Lentil Penne

Follow the package instructions to prepare the Ancient Harvest Lentil Protein Penne. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they soften (about 5 minutes). Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked penne and ground beef to the skillet with the veggies. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

5. Add Cheese (Optional)

If you’re feeling cheesy (literally), sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the skillet. Cover for 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.

6. Serve Hot

Dish it up and enjoy your balanced, flavor-packed meal!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, 4 Servings)

  • Calories: 578 cal
  • Protein: 47.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33.4 g
  • Fat: 28.9 g

Fun Facts About This Recipe

  • Lentil Power: Ancient Harvest Lentil Protein Penne is a gluten-free, high-protein alternative to traditional pasta. It’s made from lentils, which are rich in fiber and iron—essential for energy production and digestion.
  • Spinach FTW: Just one cup of spinach provides a hefty dose of vitamin K, which supports bone health.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes make this meal a dream to cook and clean up.

This skillet is everything I want after a busy day or a tough workout—hearty, nourishing, and packed with flavor. And the best part? It’s a breeze to make, thanks to fresh, local ingredients from The Turnip Truck. So, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this dish has you covered.

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