Simple Beef Pasta Skillet

Simple Beef Pasta Skillet

Introduction

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen only to end up with uninspiring meals? Recent studies show that over 60% of home cooks prefer quick and easy recipes that don’t compromise on flavor. The good news is you can have it all with our Simple Beef Pasta Skillet. This delicious one-pan dish is not only a time-saver but delivers a burst of flavors with each bite, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Simple Beef Pasta Skillet:

• 8 ounces of pasta (any type you prefer; we recommend penne or rotini for their robust texture)
• 1 pound ground beef (lean for a healthier option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or you can use avocado oil)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (for sweetness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds depth)
• 1 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes (preferably with Italian herbs for extra flavor)
• 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter taste)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, and thyme combine wonderfully)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar works well)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitution Suggestions: If you want a vegetarian version, feel free to swap the beef with lentils or crumbled tempeh.

Timing

Preparation time for this Simple Beef Pasta Skillet is 10 minutes, cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, leading to a total of about 30 minutes. This is 20% less time than many traditional pasta recipes, proving that dinner can be both quick and delicious!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Into the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir well to combine, allowing the natural juices to meld for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Cheese

Toss in the cooked pasta and freshly shredded cheese. Mix everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired creaminess.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Simple Beef Pasta Skillet in all its savory glory!

Nutritional Information

This Simple Beef Pasta Skillet serves approximately 4-6 people and offers a well-rounded meal providing essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To enhance the nutritional profile of your Simple Beef Pasta Skillet:

• Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or lentil pasta.
• Lean Meat: Opt for ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat.
• Veggies Galore: Throw in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added vitamins and minerals without overpowering flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Simple Beef Pasta Skillet with a side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing crunch. For an even heartier meal, serve with crusty whole-grain bread or garlic knots. You can also create a breadstick topping by sprinkling garlic powder and herbs over bread before toasting!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the pasta: Always err on the side of undercooked pasta as it will continue cooking when combined with the sauce.
2. Not seasoning: Be generous with salt and pepper; underseasoned beef can lead to a bland dish.
3. Cooking at too high a heat: Med-high heat is best for browning without burning or producing tough meat.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To store leftovers effectively, let the dish cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for easy reheating later; just ensure they are in proper freezer-safe containers. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

In just about 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying Simple Beef Pasta Skillet that will please the entire family. This recipe fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle, ensuring dinner is stress-free and delicious. Don’t hesitate to try this out, then come back and let us know how it turned out!

FAQs

Q1: Can I prepare the meat ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! You can brown the beef a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Q2: Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
A2: Yes, you can replace the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.

Q3: How do I make it gluten-free?
A3: You can use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your broth and canned tomatoes are gluten-free as well.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Simple Beef Pasta Skillet, and happy cooking!

Simple Beef Pasta Skillet

A quick and flavorful one-pan dish that combines pasta and ground beef for a delicious weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (any type) Penne or rotini are recommended for their robust texture
• 1 pound ground beef Lean for a healthier option
• 1 tablespoon olive oil Avocado oil can be used as an alternative
• 1 small onion, finely chopped For sweetness
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes Preferably with Italian herbs for extra flavor
• 1 cup beef broth Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme
• Salt and pepper To taste

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheese Mozzarella or cheddar works well
• Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Instructions

 

Cooking the pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.

Browning the beef

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sautéing aromatics

• Into the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Combining ingredients

• Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir well to combine, allowing the natural juices to meld for about 5 minutes.

Adding pasta and cheese

• Toss in the cooked pasta and freshly shredded cheese. Mix everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired creaminess.

Garnishing and serving

• Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or crumbled tempeh. To enhance the nutritional profile, consider using whole wheat pasta and adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

Keyword Beef Pasta Skillet, Easy Recipes, Family-Friendly, One-Pan Dinner, Quick Meals

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest