Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is half the battle won, and with this lineup, you’ll be halfway to dinner bliss before you know it. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne or rotini work great)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
If you’re missing something, fear not! Ground turkey can substitute for beef, and if you’re out of beef broth, chicken broth will do just fine. It’s all about making it work with what you have, just like my mom used to do with her pantry magic.
Instructions
Ready to cook? Let’s turn those ingredients into a delicious family meal:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for a minute. Toss in the diced onions, cooking until they’re translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. I always tell my kids that the smell is like a dinner bell, signaling something delicious is on the way.
- Push the onions and garlic to the side and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go, about 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, making sure everything is well mixed. It’s starting to look and smell wonderful, isn’t it?
- Pour in the beef broth, then add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the pasta, stirring to ensure it’s fully submerged. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella. Stir until the cheese is melted and gooey—my kids’ favorite part!
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if you like. Gather your family, sit back, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Cooking is about more than just food; it’s about creating moments and memories. This dish has seen many a family game night and can be your trusty companion too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: One Pot Beef Pasta, recipe, cooking, food
