Are you on the lookout for a quick yet delicious dinner option that the entire family will adore? Look no further! Our Ground Beef Pasta is the perfect solution for your busy weeknights, effortlessly combining hearty flavors with creamy textures in one simple dish. The combination of rigatoni, savory lean ground beef, and a rich tomato cream sauce creates an experience that’s not only filling but also satisfying. Whether you’re craving comfort food or just need something easy to whip up, this recipe ticks all the boxes for a cozy meal. Plus, it conveniently reheats well, making it a fantastic option for leftovers!
This Ground Beef Pasta stands out not just for its amazing taste, but also for its simplicity. Imagine sitting down to a steaming bowl filled with pasta and the delightful aroma of Italian seasonings, all ready in about 40 minutes! With minimal prep and cleanup required, this one-pan wonder makes cooking feel like a breeze. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this Ground Beef Pasta and how to prepare it!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Pasta
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time, this recipe comes together in just 40 minutes.
- One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup with everything cooked in just one skillet.
- Rich and Creamy: The tomato cream sauce adds a luxurious touch that elevates the dish.
- Family-Friendly: With flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish retains its flavors beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin cooking your Ground Beef Pasta, it’s important to prepare your workspace and gather your ingredients. Start by having a large pot ready to boil water for the rigatoni and a spacious skillet for the sauce. Make sure you have the required ingredients set out: lean ground beef, rigatoni, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and fresh herbs for garnish. Having everything organized will streamline the cooking process.
Equipment-wise, you’ll need a pot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining it, and a large skillet for making the sauce. A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring and a chopping board for prepping the onion and garlic are also essential. Prepping these ingredients beforehand will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Extra parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until it reaches a texture just shy of al dente. This helps the pasta hold up when mixed with the sauce. Once cooked, remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest. This starchy water will help bind the sauce to the pasta.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and let it sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. This step builds a flavor foundation for your dish. Then, add in the minced garlic, cooking it for an additional 30 seconds just until it’s fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Next, incorporate the lean ground beef into the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. As the beef starts to brown, sprinkle in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, ensuring it’s perfectly browned. If there’s an excess amount of fat, you can drain it off at this stage.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for about a minute. This will enhance the overall flavor of the sauce. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and sugar. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 5: Cream It Up
After simmering, it’s time to add richness to the dish. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, letting them melt into the sauce, which should simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, becoming rich and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust any seasonings as necessary.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet with the beef and tomato sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce. If the mixture appears too thick, use the reserved pasta water to help loosen it up, making a more cohesive dish. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is cooked and combined, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your Ground Beef Pasta with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for that added touch. Serve hot and enjoy this family-friendly meal!
Variations
- Protein: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarian alternatives like lentils or mushrooms also work nicely.
- Vegetables: Add veggies such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrition and color.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like oregano or basil to create your unique twist. For some extra heat, consider adding a pinch more crushed red pepper.
Cooking Notes
- For a gluten-free option, swap rigatoni with gluten-free pasta.
- Don’t skip the cheese as it contributes to the creamy texture and flavor!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Ground Beef Pasta with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Tips
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should still have a bite to it.
- Never skip reserving pasta water; it’s a great thickening agent when combining sauces with pasta.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 550mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately in advance. Just combine and heat before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind that it won’t be as rich.
Conclusion
Your quest for the perfect weeknight dinner ends with this Ground Beef Pasta recipe! Its rich flavors, coupled with the ease of preparation, are sure to impress your family and make them asking for seconds. Give this dish a try, and don’t hesitate to get creative with variations that suit your tastes. We’d love to hear how your version turned out, so feel free to leave a comment below, share your experiences or ideas for your own twist! Happy cooking!
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Delicious Ground Beef Pasta for Quick Dinners
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Quick and Easy: Perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time, this recipe comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Extra parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until it reaches a texture just shy of al dente. This helps the pasta hold up when mixed with the sauce. Once cooked, remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest. This starchy water will help bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and let it sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. This step builds a flavor foundation for your dish. Then, add in the minced garlic, cooking it for an additional 30 seconds just until it’s fragrant.
- Next, incorporate the lean ground beef into the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. As the beef starts to brown, sprinkle in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, ensuring it’s perfectly browned. If there’s an excess amount of fat, you can drain it off at this stage.
- Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for about a minute. This will enhance the overall flavor of the sauce. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and sugar. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
- After simmering, it’s time to add richness to the dish. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, letting them melt into the sauce, which should simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, becoming rich and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust any seasonings as necessary.
- Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet with the beef and tomato sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce. If the mixture appears too thick, use the reserved pasta water to help loosen it up, making a more cohesive dish. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Once everything is cooked and combined, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your Ground Beef Pasta with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for that added touch. Serve hot and enjoy this family-friendly meal!
Notes
Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should still have a bite to it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approx. 600 per serving
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Protein: 28 g