Ground beef pasta is a dish that delivers comfort with every bite, combining savory beef, tender noodles, and a sauce that coats everything in deliciousness. Picture a cozy evening where the aroma of simmering tomatoes mingles with spices, wrapping you in an embrace of warmth and nostalgia.
When I whip up ground beef pasta, it’s like an instant ticket back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom stirred pots while sharing stories. This hearty meal is perfect for family gatherings or a casual night in. Get ready for a flavor explosion that promises to be both satisfying and memorable.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The simplicity of ground beef pasta makes weeknight dinners a breeze
- Expect rich flavors from everyday ingredients that come together beautifully
- The colorful presentation makes it visually appealing for any occasion
- Versatile enough to adapt to your favorite sauces or veggies, it’s sure to please everyone at the table
I can still hear my little brother exclaiming how this was his favorite dinner after one particularly chaotic soccer practice. His delighted face made all the cooking chaos worth it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Aim for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the juiciest flavor and texture.
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Pasta: Any shape works; I love using penne or rotini for their sauce-hugging abilities.
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Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes for a smooth sauce; choose organic if possible for better taste.
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Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop it finely to blend seamlessly into the sauce.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate your dish with aromatic depth; use at least three cloves!
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Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs adds essential flavor; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor when sautéing your ingredients.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process—don’t skimp on these!
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances the final dish; sprinkle generously before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic while dreaming about how delicious this will be!
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Then toss in minced garlic until fragrant.
Add Ground Beef: Increase heat slightly and add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it browns, letting those savory juices release into your kitchen.
Pasta Time: While meat is cooking, boil water in another pot and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes should do!
Add Sauce Elements: Once beef is browned and cooked through, pour in canned tomatoes and stir in Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.
Toss It All Together: Drain pasta once cooked and add it directly to the skillet with your sauce mixture. Stir well to coat every noodle in that glorious meaty goodness.
Your kitchen should now smell like heaven! Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan on top and watch everyone come running!
Now you have an incredible ground beef pasta dish ready to impress family or friends! Enjoy every bite filled with laughter, memories, and maybe just a bit of sauce on your shirt—because who doesn’t love a little culinary chaos?
You Must Know
- Ground beef pasta is a versatile dish that can easily adapt to your pantry’s contents
- Its rich flavors and textures create a warm, comforting meal
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, it promises satisfaction with every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef before cooking the pasta. This method enhances flavor and creates a savory base for your sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. Toss in veggies like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When browning ground beef, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and browning
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor depth
- For creaminess, consider stirring in cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking
Sharing a dish of ground beef pasta always brings smiles to my family’s faces during our Friday night dinners; it’s become our cozy tradition that we all cherish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat for this ground beef pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins work well too.
What type of pasta pairs best with ground beef?
Any pasta works, but penne or spaghetti are excellent choices for holding sauce.
How do I make my sauce thicker?
Add a little cornstarch mixed with water or let it simmer longer to reduce.
Ground Beef Pasta
Ground beef pasta is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory beef, tender noodles, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe evokes nostalgia and warmth with every bite. Experience the joy of cooking as you create a flavorful meal that promises to impress your loved ones.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
- Increase heat slightly and add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Meanwhile, boil water in a separate pot and cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Once beef is cooked through, add canned crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Stir well to coat with the sauce.
- Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
