Ground beef pasta: a dish that perfectly balances the heartiness of ground beef with the comforting embrace of pasta. Imagine twirling your fork through a luscious, tomato-infused sauce, where every bite bursts with savory goodness and a hint of garlic. It’s the kind of meal that warms your soul and fills your belly, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
I remember the first time I made ground beef pasta for my family. My mom raised an eyebrow, skeptical about my culinary prowess. But as soon as she took her first bite, her expression transformed into pure bliss. That moment sparked countless family dinners filled with laughter and second helpings, creating memories that linger long after the plates are cleared.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This ground beef pasta is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners
- The rich flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite delightful
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with whatever veggies you have lurking in the fridge
I still chuckle when I think about how my family devoured this dish so quickly; I barely had time to snap a photo before they licked their plates clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option while still enjoying all the flavor.
Pasta: Spaghetti or penne works well—choose your favorite shape for fun texture.
Crushed Tomatoes: Look for quality canned tomatoes; they’re key to a rich sauce.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; be sure to chop it finely for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential; nothing beats that aromatic flavor in this dish.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing and enhancing flavors in the sauce.
Oregano and Basil: Dried herbs bring depth—feel free to adjust according to your taste!
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese on top just before serving for extra flavor and elegance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter; this makes cooking easier and more enjoyable as you won’t be running around mid-recipe.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Brown the Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula—aim for no pink bits left behind.
Add Crushed Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes along with oregano and basil. Stir well to combine, letting everything simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Cook Your Pasta: While your sauce simmers away, boil salted water in another pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—a little bite makes all the difference.
Toss It All Together!: Drain pasta once cooked but reserve some pasta water. Combine drained pasta with sauce in the skillet; use reserved water if needed to loosen up the mix. Stir well until evenly coated.
Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top! Everyone will be clamoring for seconds—and don’t forget to take that photo before it’s all gone!
Enjoy this delightful ground beef pasta dish that will surely become a staple in your household!
You Must Know
- Ground beef pasta is a comforting dish that’s quick to prepare
- The combination of savory beef and rich sauce creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen
- It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, offering both flavor and satisfaction in every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect results, start by browning the ground beef, then cook the pasta while simmering the sauce. This sequence maximizes flavor and minimizes wait time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your ground beef pasta with vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. You can also swap out traditional marinara for pesto or Alfredo sauce for a twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly seasoned ground beef, always add salt early during cooking
- Use high-quality pasta for better texture, and don’t forget to taste as you go!
- Stir in cheese just before serving for extra creaminess
It was one chilly evening when I first made this dish for friends. The compliments flowed as freely as the wine, making it a night to remember!
FAQ
Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and offers a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Any pasta shape works, but penne or rotini hold onto the sauce beautifully.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that’s equally satisfying.
Ground Beef Pasta
Ground beef pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the savory richness of ground beef with tender pasta in a luscious tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and customizable to suit your taste. With its hearty ingredients, this meal promises to warm both your heart and your belly.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 12 oz spaghetti or penne
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Increase heat slightly, add ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water in a separate pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta (reserve some pasta water) and combine with the sauce in the skillet. Use reserved water if needed to loosen the mixture.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1½ cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
