Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Beef & Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in marinara sauce and beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine pasta & sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Let it cook for 2 more minutes.
- Serve & garnish: Plate the pasta and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, add 1/4 cup heavy cream or a pat of butter to the sauce before simmering.
- Want more veggies? Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms while sautéing the onions.
- For a protein boost, mix in cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: ground beef pasta, easy beef pasta recipe, one-pot pasta, quick pasta dinner