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Hearty Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

This Hearty Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is a quick, easy, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining seasoned lean ground beef with pasta, savory tomato sauce, and Italian herbs, it delivers a balanced dish full of protein, carbohydrates, and flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s family-friendly, versatile for customization, and offers a satisfying, warm meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • 2 cups tomato sauce

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Drain excess fat to keep it lean.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, forming a flavorful base for your sauce.
  4. Combine with Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  5. Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and beef. Toss to coat every piece thoroughly and combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Finish with Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately for best flavor and warmth.

Notes

  • Drain fat thoroughly after browning the beef to prevent a greasy dish.
  • Cook pasta to al dente for best texture when combined with sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to enhance and meld flavors.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior melt and taste.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, family meal, Italian seasoning, meat pasta dish, weeknight dinner