Description
This hearty beef pasta recipe is a comforting, one-pot dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s kid-approved, flexible, and packed with savory flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend, optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out pasta and other ingredients.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then sauté onion until soft and golden (about 2 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add ground beef. Break up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if needed.
- Turn off heat. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Use room-temperature broth for even pasta cooking. Brown beef well for extra flavor. Check pasta at 12 minutes for al dente texture. Stir in cheese for creaminess, or skip for dairy-free. Add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. For a crusty cheese topping, broil the pot for 2 minutes if oven-safe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups per
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 22
Keywords: beef pasta, one-pot dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, ground beef, comfort food, kid-friendly, 30 minute meal