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Hearty Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
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A comforting and easy-to-make Hearty Ground Beef Pasta recipe that combines tender pasta with a rich, savory ground beef tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or anytime you crave a delicious, filling meal with simple pantry ingredients and classic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 12 oz Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells recommended)
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 28 oz Canned Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil

Optional Ingredients

  • Red Pepper Flakes (to taste)
  • Parmesan Cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics and Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add diced onions. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes, before adding minced garlic. Stir for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat for a leaner sauce.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the beef mixture. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and, if desired, red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to deepen flavors.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together over low heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers more vibrant flavor than pre-minced or powdered.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente for the best texture.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Letting the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes deepens the flavor.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Adding pasta water helps the sauce cling better without diluting flavor.
  • Season Liberally: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as the sauce cooks.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef pasta, easy dinner, weeknight pasta, hearty pasta recipe, one-pot pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/hearty-ground-beef-pasta-recipe/