Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Highlighted under: Comfort Food Delights
A delicious and easy one-pan dish that combines savory ground beef with pasta and a rich tomato sauce.
This Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a favorite in our household for its simplicity and flavor. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the fuss.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just one pan
- Savory flavors that the whole family will enjoy
- Versatile - customize with your favorite vegetables or spices
A One-Pan Wonder
One of the best aspects of the Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is its one-pan convenience. This means less time spent on cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious meal with your family. The combination of ground beef and pasta in a rich tomato sauce allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a hearty dish that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
With just a single skillet, you can easily whip up this satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. The simplicity of the recipe makes it ideal for novice cooks or anyone looking to create a comforting dish without a lot of fuss. Plus, who doesn't love a meal that requires minimal dishes?
Customization at Its Best
One of the standout features of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the Ground Beef Pasta Skillet to fit your family's preferences. Add in your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini, to boost the nutritional value and add color to the dish. Alternatively, you can spice it up by incorporating different herbs or spices, such as red pepper flakes or fresh basil.
The choice of pasta shape also allows for fun variations. Whether you prefer penne, spaghetti, or fusilli, each shape will provide a unique texture and experience. This adaptability makes it a perfect recipe to keep in your weeknight rotation, as you can change it up every time you make it.
Perfect for Meal Prep
The Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is not only quick to prepare but also an excellent option for meal prepping. You can easily make a larger batch and portion it out for lunches throughout the week. Just store the leftovers in airtight containers, and they will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheating is a breeze, whether in the microwave or on the stovetop. This means you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this dish even on the busiest days, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to save time while still enjoying home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape)
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until it's browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add Ingredients
Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to the skillet, cover, and cook according to the pasta package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season and Serve
Once the pasta is cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Pasta Skillet!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the cooking process.
Tips for Cooking Ground Beef
When cooking ground beef, it's important to choose the right fat content. Ground beef that is 80/20 (80% lean meat and 20% fat) is ideal for this recipe, as it provides enough fat for flavor without being overly greasy. Always ensure that the beef is browned evenly by breaking it apart with a spatula and stirring regularly.
To enhance the flavor of your ground beef, consider seasoning it with salt and pepper while it cooks. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, ensure that your skillet is adequately heated before adding the beef, as this will help achieve a nice sear.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve the Ground Beef Pasta Skillet with a side salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta dish. Garlic bread, on the other hand, is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Don't forget to sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This adds a delightful creaminess and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, can also elevate the presentation and freshness of your meal.
Storing and Reheating
To store any leftovers, let the Ground Beef Pasta Skillet cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Just make sure to label the containers with the date for easy reference.
When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to the skillet to prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat gently on low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of this dish just as much as when it was freshly made.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and just cook the pasta when you're ready to serve.
→ What type of pasta works best?
Any pasta shape will work, but shorter shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
A delicious and easy one-pan dish that combines savory ground beef with pasta and a rich tomato sauce.
Created by: Josie Lambert
Recipe Type: Comfort Food Delights
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape)
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until it's browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the pasta to the skillet, cover, and cook according to the pasta package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the cooking process.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 25g