Are you ready to whip up a delicious, hearty meal in just 30 minutes? Look no further! This Easy One Pot Ground Beef Pasta is not only a time-saver, but it’s also a flavor-packed dish that the whole family will love. With tender pasta enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and savory ground beef, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this one-pot wonder will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that promises to make your dinner stress-free and utterly delicious!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 8 oz pasta (elbow or rotini), 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce, 2 cups beef broth, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart and cook until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the marinara sauce and beef broth, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta to the pot and stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Before serving, give the pasta a good stir and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your easy one-pot ground beef pasta!
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: To save time, chop your onion and mince your garlic before you start cooking. This way, you can focus on the cooking process without interruptions.
- Choosing Pasta: While elbow or rotini pasta works great, feel free to experiment with other shapes like penne or fusilli for a fun twist.
- Browning the Beef: Make sure to break the ground beef into small pieces while browning to ensure even cooking and a better texture in the final dish.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a saucier pasta, you can add an extra half cup of beef broth or marinara sauce. Conversely, if you like it drier, reduce the liquid slightly.
- Stirring: Stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a splash of red wine to the sauce before adding the pasta.
- Garnishing: Don’t forget to top your dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to restore its creamy texture. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful one-pot meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 663kcal
Carbohydrates: 67g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 80mg
