Garlic Beef Pasta Skillet

$- 8 oz (227 g) pasta (penne or fusilli) - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups baby spinach - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) When I prepare garlic beef pasta skillet, I gather all my ingredients first. This makes cooking smooth and fun. I love using penne or fusilli pasta because they hold the sauce well. You need one pound of ground beef for a hearty meal. Fresh garlic gives a nice kick, and four cloves work perfectly. Next, I chop one medium onion and dice one red bell pepper. These add great flavor and color. I also use one cup of cherry tomatoes, halved, for sweetness. Two cups of baby spinach add freshness and nutrients. For seasoning, I reach for dried oregano and smoked paprika. These spices enhance the dish's flavor. Olive oil helps cook everything together and adds richness. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, I love to serve this dish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a touch of elegance. Gathering these ingredients makes the cooking process easy and enjoyable. It sets you up for a delicious meal that you and your family will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook pasta for a perfect al dente texture, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Check it a minute or two early to avoid overcooking. When done, drain the pasta but save about a cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and helps later. For browning ground beef, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes until it turns brown. Use lean beef for less fat or fattier beef for more flavor. If you use fatty beef, drain the excess fat from the skillet. This keeps the dish from becoming greasy. Sautéing garlic and onions adds depth to your dish. After browning the beef, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes. This softens the veggies and releases their flavors. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter. Stir often to keep it from sticking. To combine tomatoes and spinach with beef, add halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together in the skillet. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften. This step brings color and nutrition to the dish. To mix the pasta and beef mixture effectively, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until well combined. If it seems dry, splash in some of the reserved pasta water. This helps to create a creamy sauce and gives it a nice consistency. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving. To make your garlic beef pasta even better, try adding more spices. Red pepper flakes give a nice heat. Fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the dish. You can also use Italian seasoning for a deeper flavor. To enhance your dish, always taste as you go. This way, you can adjust the salt and spices. A splash of lemon juice at the end can add freshness. This dish cooks fast, so multitasking is key. Start boiling the pasta while you brown the beef. This makes the most of your time. Keep your tools close to save steps. Have a clean workspace to avoid chaos. When you chop, do it all at once. Store veggies in bowls to grab when you need them. This helps keep the flow smooth. Garlic beef pasta goes great with a simple salad. A green salad with vinaigrette adds crunch. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for extra flavor. For wine, a light red like Pinot Noir pairs well. It complements the beef without overpowering it. If you prefer white, try a dry Sauvignon Blanc for a crisp taste. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot beef and vegetable mixture. Garlic Care: Add the minced garlic towards the end of sautéing the vegetables to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter. Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish. {{image_2}} For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great choices that taste just as good. You can find pasta made from rice, corn, or lentils. These alternatives work well in the garlic beef pasta skillet. If you want to switch up the meat, try using ground turkey or plant-based ground beef. Both options add unique flavors. Ground turkey is leaner, while plant-based meat gives a similar taste to beef. To spice things up, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also use taco seasoning for a fun twist. Mixing in some cumin or coriander can add depth. For extra veggies, think about adding zucchini or mushrooms. These add more texture and nutrition. You can also toss in some frozen peas or carrots. They cook quickly and brighten up the dish. You can turn this dish into a baked option. Just transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. This adds a crispy layer that's hard to resist. Another fun idea is to serve it in lettuce wraps. This makes a great low-carb meal. Just spoon the beef and pasta mix into romaine or butter lettuce leaves. It's fresh, fun, and easy to eat! To keep your garlic beef pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out. Make sure to let it cool down first. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, plan to consume it within that time frame. Freezing garlic beef pasta is simple. First, let it cool completely. Then, divide it into servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it seems dry. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! You can prep this meal in advance with some easy steps. First, cook the pasta as directed. Drain it and toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking. Cook the beef, garlic, onion, and bell pepper, then cool them. Store the pasta and the beef mixture in separate containers in your fridge. When you're ready to eat, just heat everything together in a skillet. This method helps keep the flavors fresh. You can also freeze the cooked beef mixture for later use. Yes, you can switch up the meat in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a lighter option. If you prefer pork, ground pork is also a tasty choice. You can even try using sausage for added flavor. Just make sure to cook it well and drain any extra fat. Each type of meat will bring its unique taste to the dish. If you don’t have fresh basil, don’t worry! You can use dried basil instead. A teaspoon of dried basil can add great flavor. Other herbs like parsley or cilantro can also work. You might even like thyme or oregano for a different taste. Sometimes, a sprinkle of arugula can add a nice peppery kick as a garnish. To make this dish vegetarian, swap out the ground beef for plant-based protein. Options include lentils, chickpeas, or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu. Make sure to season them well to add flavor. You can keep all the veggies in the recipe, as they add taste and nutrition. This way, you still have a hearty and satisfying meal without meat. In this blog post, I outlined a tasty garlic beef pasta skillet recipe, complete with ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to cook the perfect pasta and brown beef. I shared ways to enhance flavor and create variations for different diets. Remember, this dish is easy to customize and store for later. Try it your way and enjoy a delicious meal that fits your taste. Happy cooking!$

A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring pasta, ground beef, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 lb ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for serving grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the garlic is fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, spinach, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to your liking.

Keyword beef, pasta, quick meal, skillet