Get a hot, hearty dinner on the table in no time—even on a weeknight!
On a typical busy weeknight, it’s tempting to grab takeout or use DoorDash to get everyone fed. The thing about weeknights is that they keep coming, at least until the weekend, when you can hopefully catch your breath! While takeout or DoorDash is quick, it’s not the most economical or healthiest option, especially for a family. It’s good to have an arsenal of quick, filling meals you can make at home on a busy night, and ground beef pasta fits the bill.
The best weeknight recipes are ones where you can rely on pantry ingredients and swap out missing ones as needed. Pasta, protein, canned tomatoes, seasonings, and cheese are normally staples. The ingredient list for ground beef pasta is one that you can easily substitute as needed. No heavy cream? Evaporated milk or regular milk works just fine. Easy!
You will love ground beef pasta because it’s a basic recipe that you can tweak to your preferences and pantry availability. And it’s so delicious! There’s nothing quite like a hot meal on a busy night, and kids happen to love this dish. Not only because it’s full of stuff kids typically love (pasta and cheese!), but also because your kiddos can help you make it!
Pasta water: a special ingredient
When draining your pasta, always remember to reserve about half a cup of the water from the pot. This isn’t just any water; it’s a special ingredient! As pasta cooks, it releases starch into the boiling water, giving it a slightly cloudy appearance. That starch-rich water can be a game-changer for your sauce. Adding it gradually (about a tablespoon at a time) can help emulsify and thicken your sauce, giving it a smoother, velvety texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. It’s especially useful if you’re out of heavy cream and need to rely on regular milk, as the starch helps compensate for the creaminess you might otherwise be missing.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled, this easy and versatile dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Gently reheat the (thawed) pasta on the stove until piping hot.
Serving suggestions
With such a hearty main, sides are easy. Warm Ciabatta Bread or Garlic Breadsticks, along with a crisp House Salad, make for a great meal. If you want a warm side instead of a salad, consider serving ground beef pasta with Roasted Asparagus.
Ground Beef Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta such as penne or rotini
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 pound ground beef 85% lean
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices (14 ounces)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water until al dente according to package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet with onions.
- Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning; stir. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Mix in heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn off heat and mix in shredded cheese.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
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