Description
This hearty Ground Beef Pasta Skillet offers a satisfying and flavorful meal, perfect for busy weeknights. It features savory ground beef, tender short pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup. Ready in under 40 minutes, this dish delivers comforting taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, macaroni)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the short pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check the pasta for doneness; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving warm.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or spinach when you add the onions for extra nutrients and flavor.
- If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash more beef broth or water until desired consistency is reached.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
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