Description
Ground beef pasta is a hearty and flavorful meal made with seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste (if using), crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until fully combined and heated through.
- Optional: Sprinkle with grated cheese and cover for a minute to let it melt.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
Use 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and minimal grease.Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.For a cheesy baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from getting mushy when combined with the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
