Comforting Ground Beef Pasta: A Family Favorite Recipe

Ground beef pasta is like a big warm hug from your favorite aunt—comforting, satisfying, and just a little messy. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta around your fork, the rich, savory sauce clinging to every strand while the aroma wafts through your kitchen like an invitation to indulge. It’s a dish that doesn’t just fill your belly; it warms your soul and brings back memories of family dinners where laughter echoed off the walls and seconds were always encouraged.

I remember the first time I made this ground beef pasta for my friends during college—it was the ultimate test of culinary prowess. They arrived skeptical but left with full plates and even fuller hearts. We shared stories, jokes, and more than a few bites of deliciousness that night. This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or cozy nights in when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

I still chuckle at how my friends devoured this dish, claiming it was life-changing when really, it was just my secret ingredient: love (and maybe a little too much cheese).

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Aim for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy flavor without too much grease.

• Pasta: Any kind works! I prefer penne for its excellent sauce-holding capabilities.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are non-negotiable here; they pack an aromatic punch.

• Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed or diced tomatoes—either works well to create a rich sauce.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth; feel free to sprinkle extra if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully into the dish and enhances the flavors.

• Olive Oil: A splash helps in sautéing the aromatics; use high quality for best results.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

First things first:

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the onion and garlic finely. Pre-measure everything so you can focus on cooking without interruptions.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant. Toss in minced garlic and stir until golden.

Add Ground Beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.

Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in canned tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly.

Cook Pasta Separately: While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained pasta directly into the sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine everything while adding reserved pasta water gradually for creaminess.

And there you have it! Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Get ready for forks clanging against plates as everyone digs in! Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a spontaneous gathering with friends, this ground beef pasta is sure to be a hit every time. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef first, as this adds flavor. While it cooks, boil your pasta so everything comes together seamlessly. Finally, toss in your sauce and simmer briefly, letting those flavors mingle beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping out ground beef for turkey or even plant-based proteins to suit dietary preferences. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Nothing warms my heart more than seeing my kids dive into this dish after school. Their smiles and satisfied sighs remind me that food truly brings people together—especially when it’s this tasty!

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta with ground beef pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape works well; choose your favorite for a personalized touch.

What can I substitute for ground beef in this recipe?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives make excellent substitutes.

How do I make my ground beef pasta more flavorful?

Incorporate fresh herbs, spices, or even a splash of red wine during cooking for added depth.

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Ground Beef Pasta

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Ground beef pasta is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender pasta with a savory ground beef sauce that’s both satisfying and delicious. This easy-to-prepare dish brings together simple ingredients to create a meal that warms your heart and fills your belly. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, it invites everyone to the table for seconds!

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Chop the onion and garlic finely.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir until golden.
3. Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, and cook until browned.
4. Add canned tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. While the sauce simmers, cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
6. Add drained pasta into the sauce mixture; stir gently while adding reserved pasta water gradually for creaminess.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 940mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg