Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this irresistible Ricotta Pasta with Beef! Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, covered in a luxuriously creamy ricotta sauce, and studded with savory, perfectly browned ground beef. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds and your dinner guests wondering how you became such a kitchen maestro.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the beef for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add minced garlic to the beef and sauté for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta to the beef and marinara mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the ricotta cheese, stirring until it's well incorporated and creates a creamy sauce.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Don't be shy with salt in your boiling water. It should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a little pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and helping ingredients stick together.
- Brown the Beef Properly: Ensure your ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled. This develops deep, rich flavors that will elevate the entire dish.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and basil if possible. The difference in flavor is remarkable compared to dried herbs.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente—it should have a slight bite. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and ruins the texture of your dish.
- Gentle Ricotta Incorporation: Fold the ricotta in off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 577kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 100mg
