Quick Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Highlighted under: Quick Home Meals
I love how this Quick Ground Beef Pasta Skillet comes together in just a matter of minutes. It’s my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of savory ground beef, al dente pasta, and rich tomato sauce creates a satisfying meal that the whole family enjoys. Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily add in your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.
When I first created this recipe, I wanted to balance speed with flavor, and it turned out to be a hit! The key is to brown the beef properly and not rush the simmering process; it really builds depth in the sauce. I also discovered that using a mix of fresh herbs adds brightness and flavor without adding much prep time.
One trick I learned is to use pasta that cooks in the same pot with the beef and sauce. This not only reduces dishes but allows the pasta to soak up all the savory goodness. It’s a real time-saver and makes for a creamier texture!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and comforting blend of pasta and beef
- Quick, one-pan meal that's perfect for busy nights
- Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or spices
Ingredient Insights
The choice of pasta is crucial in achieving the perfect texture for this Quick Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. I recommend using shapes like rotini or penne, as their ridges capture the sauce beautifully. If you're short on time, you can use whole wheat or even gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions to avoid overcooking.
Ground beef serves as the foundation for this dish, providing not just protein but also a rich flavor that complements the tomato sauce. Opting for lean ground beef can reduce excess fat, but don't go too lean, as a bit of fat adds to the dish's overall moisture and flavor. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, but remember that the flavor profile will change slightly.
Cooking Techniques
Browning the beef is about more than just cooking it through; it's the first step to building flavor. Make sure your skillet is hot enough when you add the beef, and don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure that it browns evenly. You want that nice caramelization, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally but give it some time to develop that golden-brown crust. This step lays the groundwork for a deeply flavored sauce.
When adding the tomato sauce and broth, you'll create a sort of sauce that envelops the pasta as it cooks. Bringing it to a boil before reducing the heat is essential; this allows the flavors to meld together while the pasta absorbs the rich, savory broth. Keep an eye on the pasta during this simmering stage, as overcooking can lead to a mushy texture. A slight bite to the pasta enhances the overall eating experience.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious and quick dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready to streamline the cooking process!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps for a quick and delicious meal!
Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add Veggies
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
Combine Ingredients
Add the pasta, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer and Cook
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
Serve
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Enjoy your meal!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This pasta skillet is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to bring moisture back. If you want to freeze it, make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for about two months.
If you plan to make this dish ahead of time, consider undercooking the pasta slightly. This way, when you reheat it, it will not become overly soft and mushy. You can also prepare the beef mixture and sauce separately and then combine them just before serving.
Flavor Variations
One of the best things about this skillet is its versatility. Feel free to incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and color. Just add them in during the veggie sauté phase, as they will cook quickly and blend seamlessly into the dish without overcooking.
To enhance the flavor even more, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley also work beautifully when sprinkled on before serving to give a fresh finish.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta shape like penne or fusilli will work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time, then cook the pasta right before serving.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Quick Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
I love how this Quick Ground Beef Pasta Skillet comes together in just a matter of minutes. It’s my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of savory ground beef, al dente pasta, and rich tomato sauce creates a satisfying meal that the whole family enjoys. Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily add in your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
Add the pasta, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to add in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 30g