Are you craving a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal that will have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Easy Ground Beef Pasta recipe! In just 30 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of ground beef with perfectly cooked pasta and a tantalizing tomato sauce. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or just someone who loves hearty, comforting meals, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 8 oz of pasta, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of beef broth, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water, then add the 8 oz of pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and 1 cup of beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add 1 tsp of Italian seasoning to the mixture, along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and add it directly to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Serve the Easy Ground Beef Pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Salt is Your Friend: Be generous with salt in the pasta water. It's your one chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Al Dente is Key: Don't overcook your pasta. It should have a slight firmness when you bite into it. Test it a minute or two before the package instructions suggest.
- Reserve Some Pasta Water: If the sauce seems too thick, save a little pasta cooking water to help create a silkier sauce.
- Drain Fat Thoroughly: When cooking ground beef, make sure to drain excess fat to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Fresh Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers Tip: This pasta reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 574kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 80mg
