Ground Beef Skillet Pasta with Pesto and Ricotta: A Heartfelt Family Favorite
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden hue across your kitchen, you can almost hear the comforting sounds of a family gathering. The laughter of loved ones fills the air along with the enticing aroma of Ground Beef Skillet Pasta with Pesto and Ricotta simmering on the stove. This dish, with its perfect blend of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and vibrant pesto, is not merely a meal; it’s an experience — one soaked in warmth and nostalgia, beckoning all around the table to dish up for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for so many delightful reasons, making it the kind of homemade treasure you’ll want to keep close to your heart:
- Quick Family Meal: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
- Comforting and Delicious: Rich flavors combine to create a comforting dish that feels indulgent yet simple.
- Brings Families Together: The act of sharing this cozy favorite fosters connection and joy.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit dietary needs or seasonal availability.
- Easy Cleanup: As a one-pot wonder, it minimizes mess, allowing you to enjoy the meal rather than stress over the cleanup.
Ingredients with Notes
Before you dive into this delightful dish, here’s everything you’ll need to make your own Ground Beef Skillet Pasta with Pesto and Ricotta:
- 1 pound ground beef (use grass-fed for a healthier option)
- 8 ounces pasta (any small shape like penne or fusilli works)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (for creaminess; cottage cheese can be used as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought; fresh basil pesto adds a lovely depth)
- 1 onion, diced (sweet onions offer a milder flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh for depth and aroma)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (adds color and a fresh burst)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional, but recommended for that extra indulgent touch)
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This recipe is not only quick but also rewarding, allowing you to create something delicious with minimal time and effort. Perfect for those nights when cooking feels like a daunting task but you still want to serve something exceptional.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it emits a rich, savory aroma.
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Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic, and let it cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This is when your kitchen will start smelling incredible!
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Add the pasta: Stir in the pasta and cover with water (about 4 cups). Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Allow the pasta to cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce thickening as the pasta absorbs the flavors.
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Incorporate the pesto and ricotta: Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low and mix in the pesto and ricotta. Stir gently until everything is well combined and creamy.
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Finish with cherry tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re warmed through. You may want to sprinkle a bit more salt and pepper at this stage to elevate the flavors.
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Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Isn’t it just beautiful?
Tips and Variations
- Wholesome upgrades: Use whole wheat pasta to add fiber or swap in zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Flavor variations: Mix up your greens with sun-dried tomato pesto in lieu of traditional pesto for an exciting twist.
- Extra veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a healthy boost.
- Skip the beef: For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Serving Ideas
Picture this: a cozy evening at home, a candle flickering in the background, and your loved ones gathered around the table, bowls of Ground Beef Skillet Pasta with Pesto and Ricotta steaming before them. Pair it with a simple side salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette and a glass of your favorite red wine for a delightful touch. This dish is not just perfect for weeknights; imagine serving it during festive family gatherings or casual dinner parties, welcoming everyone with its inviting charm.
Storage and Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is hard to imagine, given how delicious it is), allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to revive its creaminess.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Don’t rush the browning: Allow the beef to brown properly for a richer flavor — it makes all the difference!
- Use high-quality pesto: A good quality pesto will elevate the dish and deliver authentic flavors.
- Fresh herbs at the end: Consider tossing in some fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Reserve pasta water: If the sauce seems too thick, adding a splash of reserved pasta water can help adjust the consistency.
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken makes for a healthier option while still keeping it hearty.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? You can easily substitute with gluten-free pasta to suit those dietary needs.
- Can I prep this in advance? While it’s best fresh, prepping ingredients a day before can save you time in the kitchen.
Conclusion
As you plate your Ground Beef Skillet Pasta with Pesto and Ricotta, take a moment to breathe in the rich aromas and feel the love emanating from the kitchen. This is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of family and togetherness, offering a warm embrace at the end of a long day. I invite you to not only try this recipe but also to share it with your loved ones. Capture these moments around the table, and allow this dish to be a part of your family’s cherished memories. Happy cooking!
Contents
Ground Beef Skillet Pasta with Pesto and Ricotta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef use grass-fed for a healthier option
- 8 ounces pasta any small shape like penne or fusilli works
- 1 cup ricotta cheese for creaminess; cottage cheese can be used as a substitute
- 1/2 cup pesto homemade or store-bought; fresh basil pesto adds a lovely depth
- 1 medium onion, diced sweet onions offer a milder flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced fresh for depth and aroma
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved adds color and a fresh burst
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional, but recommended for that extra indulgent touch
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic, and let it cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the pasta and cover with water (about 4 cups). Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low and mix in the pesto and ricotta. Stir gently until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re warmed through. Season with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.