Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re looking for a simple, delicious way to use ground beef, you’ve landed in the right spot! This recipe is perfect for beginners, so don’t worry if you’re just starting out in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip up a comforting meal that’ll impress anyone at your table. Imagine the smell of savory beef, garlic, and spices wafting through your home—it’s pure magic! So grab your skillet, and let’s dive into this easy ground beef dish that’s not only tasty but also versatile enough for any weeknight dinner!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef (I recommend using lean ground beef for a healthier option!)
- 1 small onion, chopped (make sure to chop it finely so it cooks evenly)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic really elevates the flavor!)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) (this adds a nice richness to the dish)
- 1 cup beef broth (you can use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste, of course!)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (this brings all the flavors together beautifully)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (I love using penne or rotini, but any shape works!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first! Heat up a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add in your pound of ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. You want to get that lovely brown color on the beef, which adds so much flavor. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. We’re aiming for no pink bits left—about 5 to 7 minutes should do the trick!
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Next up, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them into the beef and let everything cook together until the onion becomes soft and translucent—around 3 to 4 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it can turn bitter quickly! If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat a bit. You want that delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth
Now it’s time to add some moisture! Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the cup of beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors. The tomatoes will add a nice richness to the dish, so don’t skip this step! Make sure the beef and veggies are well mixed in with the broth—it’ll all come together beautifully.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Here comes the fun part—seasoning! Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This is where you can really amp up the flavor. Give it a good stir again and taste it! Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your liking; this is your dish after all!
Step 5: Simmer the Mixture
Let’s let everything meld together! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows all those flavors to develop and deepen. Just remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the skillet. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks thick and delicious!
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Alright, we’re almost there! Add your cooked pasta into the skillet and mix it all together until the pasta is well coated with that tasty beef mixture. This is a great time to make sure the pasta absorbs some of that flavorful sauce. If it looks a bit dry, feel free to splash in a little more beef broth until you reach your ideal consistency!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to dig in! Serve this comforting dish hot, straight from the skillet. If you’re feeling fancy, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious ground beef dish. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
This dish is not only tasty but also packed with protein to keep you satisfied. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with a wholesome meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Tasty and filling: With savory ground beef and pasta, this meal is both hearty and satisfying.
- Perfect for beginners: The straightforward steps and minimal ingredients make it a great starting point for new cooks.
- Versatile for adding vegetables: Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition!
Tips for Success
- Use lean ground beef: Opting for lean ground beef not only makes the dish healthier but also reduces excess grease. You’ll still get that rich flavor without the added calories!
- Don’t skip the simmering: This step is crucial for blending all those lovely flavors together. If you’re in a rush, I promise it’s worth the extra time to let it simmer and develop that delicious depth of flavor.
- Add veggies: Feel free to sneak in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini. They’ll add nutrients and a pop of color, making your dish even more appealing!
- Experiment with seasonings: If you want to spice things up, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Adjust the Italian seasoning to your taste—there’s no wrong way to make it your own!
- Save some pasta water: If you find your dish a little too thick after mixing in the pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it up while keeping the flavor intact.
- Make it a one-pot meal: If you want to simplify cleanup, cook your pasta right in the skillet with the beef mixture! Just add the pasta with enough broth to cook it through—easy peasy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers (which is likely because this dish is so good!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that delicious flavor intact. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help prevent any condensation that could make it a bit soggy in the fridge. You can keep your ground beef pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, the best way to reheat it is on the stovetop. Simply place your desired portion in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or a bit of water to keep it moist and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it, but I recommend covering it with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to keep the moisture in. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot all the way through.
And there you have it! Enjoy your comforting meal anytime by following these simple storage and reheating tips!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! This ground beef dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or microwave as mentioned earlier!
What vegetables can I add?
Great question! You can really get creative here. I love adding bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color. You could also toss in some mushrooms or even broccoli if you’re feeling adventurous! Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook through nicely.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat, there are a few easy ways to do it! A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking will give it a nice kick. You could also try adding some diced jalapeños or using a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a flavor twist. Just adjust the spices to your liking and get ready for a flavor explosion!
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear about your adventures in making this ground beef dish! Did you add any special ingredients or tweaks that made it your own? Maybe you experimented with different veggies or spices? Whatever it is, please share your results in the comments below! Your tips and stories could inspire fellow cooks looking to try this recipe.
If you have any questions or need a little extra guidance while cooking, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to help, and I can’t wait to hear how your meal turns out. Happy cooking, and let’s keep this delicious cooking journey going together!
For more tips on cooking with ground beef, check out this nutritional guide to understand its benefits.
Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring more recipes, visit this page for easy casserole ideas.
Lastly, for a delightful dessert to pair with your meal, consider making strawberry shortcake!
Print
Things to Make with Ground Beef: 7 Easy Comfort Meals
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and tasty ground beef recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cooked pasta
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix until pasta is well coated.
- Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef recipes, easy beef dishes, beginner cooking