There’s something about the smell of browned beef mingling with garlic and Italian seasoning that immediately pulls you into the kitchen. It was one of those evenings where I was juggling a million things—emails, a distracted kid asking about homework, and a dog who needed a walk. Somehow, the simple act of stirring a pot filled with pasta, tomatoes, and beef became a small anchor amid the chaos. The kitchen filled with warmth, and that rich aroma made waiting for dinner feel less like a chore and more like a moment to breathe. I wasn’t exactly watching the clock perfectly, and the pasta might have been a little softer than usual, but honestly, that messiness made it feel like home.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s all cooked in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax.
- The flavors develop as the pasta cooks right in the sauce, creating a comforting, rich dish without fuss.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy techniques.
- Even if you’re not a kitchen pro, this recipe feels approachable and forgiving.
And if you’re wondering whether this meal can stretch beyond a quick dinner, it’s pretty versatile. Leftovers reheat well, though the pasta may soak up some of the sauce overnight, so a splash of broth or water helps revive it. I usually save a bit of Parmesan to add fresh just before serving again.
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One Pot Pasta and Ground Beef
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and hearty one pot pasta dish with savory ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta all cooked together for an easy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
4 cups beef broth
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and beef broth, stirring to combine.
Add uncooked penne pasta and stir to submerge the pasta in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need anything fancy here—just a sturdy pot or deep skillet with a lid to make sure the pasta cooks evenly. I often serve this with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. If you want to mix things up, you could swap penne for rotini or even elbow macaroni. Sometimes I toss in a handful of spinach at the end for a touch of green, though I haven’t tested how that changes the cooking time exactly. Another time, I might swap ground beef for turkey or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, but honestly, the original is my go-to when I want comfort without fuss.
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, most short pasta shapes work well here, just keep an eye on cooking time.
What if I don’t have beef broth? You can substitute with chicken broth or even water, though the flavor might be a bit lighter.
Can I make this vegetarian? You’d need to swap the beef for a plant-based protein and possibly adjust seasonings; I haven’t tried it myself.
This one pot pasta and ground beef dish proves that quick dinners don’t have to be boring. Next time your evening is packed, give this a try and watch your kitchen fill with those irresistible aromas, even if the timing isn’t perfect. Save it, print it, and keep it handy—you’ll probably come back to it more than once.