Have you ever wondered why some recipes become a staple in every household? Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that always gets people asking for more—the Easy Pasta and Ground Beef recipe. Not only is it incredibly delicious and satisfying, but it’s also simple to make, making it the perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Why This Easy Pasta and Ground Beef Recipe Works
This pasta recipe combines the hearty richness of ground beef with the delicate textures of penne pasta and shiitake mushrooms, seasoned perfectly with fresh herbs and spices. It’s a dish that promises not just to feed but to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or need a quick meal on a busy weeknight, this recipe covers all bases.
Ingredients Spotlight
- Penne Pasta (400g / 14 oz): The perfect choice for holding onto our savory beef and mushroom sauce.
- Ground Beef (2 patties): Provides a rich, meaty base that’s packed with flavor.
- Shiitake Mushrooms (200g / 7 oz): These add a wonderful umami flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
- Fresh Ingredients: Garlic, green onions, and ginger root enhance the dish with fresh, aromatic undertones.
- Parmesan Cheese (60g / 2 oz): Adds a creamy, cheesy finish that pulls all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Pasta and Ground Beef Recipe Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating your pan over medium/high heat. Crumble the ground beef patties into the pan, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and meat seasoning. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbled, ensuring it’s fully cooked through for safety and flavor.
2. Add Aromatics
Turn down the heat to medium and stir in finely chopped garlic and ginger. The key here is constant stirring to prevent burning while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully with the beef.
3. Incorporate Mushrooms and Onions
Add the shiitake mushrooms, chopped into bite-sized pieces, to the mixture. After about 3 minutes, toss in the green onions. This step infuses the dish with earthy flavors and a slight crunch.
4. Perfectly Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add the penne pasta. Cook it until just halfway done – it will continue cooking in the sauce.
5. Combine and Finish Cooking
Before draining the pasta, save a couple of ladles of pasta water and add this starchy liquid to your beef and mushrooms. This helps to create a silky, binding sauce. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, turn off the heat, and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is wonderfully combined.
6. Serve with a Touch of Elegance
Serve hot, topped with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. This final touch adds a layer of decadent flavor that will make your dish stand out.
Nutritional Information
This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a balanced meal. Each serving offers a good amount of protein, essential fats, and carbohydrates. Plus, the mushrooms provide vitamins and minerals, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
- Salt Your Water: This is the moment to season your pasta internally; don’t skimp on the salt!
- Save Pasta Water: This starchy water is the secret to a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
- Fresh is Best: When possible, opt for fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor profile.
FAQs About Pasta and Ground Beef Recipe
Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! While penne is ideal for this recipe, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Rigatoni or fusilli are excellent alternatives that also work well with hearty sauces.
Is there a vegetarian option? Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
How do I store leftovers? This pasta can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if the sauce seems dry.
Conclusion
This Easy Pasta and Ground Beef recipe stands out not just for its simplicity and quick preparation time, but for the rich, comforting flavors that it brings to your table. Ideal for anyone from busy parents needing a quick dinner solution to novice cooks looking for a fail-safe recipe, this dish is both forgiving and flexible. It accommodates a range of dietary preferences and can be adapted using various substitutions, ensuring it’s a favorite for all palates and occasions.
Moreover, the emotional resonance of this recipe, with its deep roots in family tradition and shared meals, adds an extra layer of enjoyment. It’s more than just food; it’s a piece of culinary heritage that fosters connection and creates lasting memories.
Remember, the perfect meal isn’t just about the ingredients or the cooking technique—it’s about the experiences created around the table. So, next time you’re in need of a dish that guarantees satisfaction and brings people together, turn to this trusted Easy Pasta and Ground Beef recipe. Enjoy cooking, enjoy eating, and most importantly, enjoy the moments that come with it. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family on Pinterest and keep it within easy reach for when you need a quick and delightful dinner!
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Family Favorite Ground Beef Pasta | Ready in 30 Minutes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Description
Discover how to make this mouthwatering Ground Beef Pasta in just 30 minutes. Perfect for hectic weeknights! Save this recipe to your ‘Quick Dinner Ideas’ board for easy access anytime.
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta (400g / 14 oz): The perfect choice for holding onto our savory beef and mushroom sauce.
- Ground Beef (2 patties): Provides a rich, meaty base that’s packed with flavor.
- Shiitake Mushrooms (200g / 7 oz): These add a wonderful umami flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
- Fresh Ingredients: Garlic, green onions, and ginger root enhance the dish with fresh, aromatic undertones.
- Parmesan Cheese (60g / 2 oz): Adds a creamy, cheesy finish that pulls all the flavors together.
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating your pan over medium/high heat. Crumble the ground beef patties into the pan, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and meat seasoning. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbled, ensuring it’s fully cooked through for safety and flavor.
2. Add Aromatics
Turn down the heat to medium and stir in finely chopped garlic and ginger. The key here is constant stirring to prevent burning while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully with the beef.
3. Incorporate Mushrooms and Onions
Add the shiitake mushrooms, chopped into bite-sized pieces, to the mixture. After about 3 minutes, toss in the green onions. This step infuses the dish with earthy flavors and a slight crunch.
4. Perfectly Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add the penne pasta. Cook it until just halfway done – it will continue cooking in the sauce.
5. Combine and Finish Cooking
Before draining the pasta, save a couple of ladles of pasta water and add this starchy liquid to your beef and mushrooms. This helps to create a silky, binding sauce. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, turn off the heat, and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is wonderfully combined.
6. Serve with a Touch of Elegance
Serve hot, topped with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. This final touch adds a layer of decadent flavor that will make your dish stand out.
Notes
This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a balanced meal. Each serving offers a good amount of protein, essential fats, and carbohydrates. Plus, the mushrooms provide vitamins and minerals, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
