Hearty Ground Beef & Vegetable Pasta Skillet

 Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (bow-tie, ribbon, or your favorite pasta)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 orange bell pepper, diced

• 1 medium tomato, chopped

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• ½ cup beef broth or pasta water

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

3. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.

4. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.

2. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the red and orange bell peppers.

4. Stir and cook for another 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and mix well.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

1. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.

2. Stir thoroughly so the beef and vegetables are evenly coated.

3. Add tomato sauce and beef broth.

4. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the vegetables become tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet.

2. Toss gently until the pasta is coated with the beef and vegetable mixture.

3. Add a little reserved pasta water if the mixture looks too thick.

4. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta.

2. Add grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

3. Serve warm with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

 Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 6

• Cuisine: Italian-American

• Course: Main Course

• Cooking Method: Stovetop

• Difficulty: Easy

 Nutrition Information

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the pasta, ground beef, sauce, cheese, and serving size used.

 Helpful Cooking Tips

• Use lean beef: 90% lean ground beef works well and reduces excess grease.

• Don’t overcook pasta: Keep it slightly firm because it will cook a little more in the sauce.

• Add more vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or carrots make excellent additions.

• Make it creamy: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream.

• Add extra flavor: A little Worcestershire sauce gives the beef a deeper, savory taste.

• Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

 Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or ground chicken works perfectly. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Q2: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the pasta and beef mixture, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q3: How long does leftover pasta last?

It stays fresh in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 days when stored properly.

Q4: Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q5: What vegetables can I add?

You can add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, peas, broccoli, or extra bell peppers.

Q6: Can I make this recipe without tomato sauce?

Yes! You can substitute tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes or a light cream sauce.

Q7: What pasta shape works best?

Bow-tie, penne, rotini, fusilli, and ribbon pasta all work beautifully because they hold the sauce and beef mixture.

Q8: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming dry?

Reserve some pasta water and add a splash while reheating. This helps bring the sauce back together.

Q9: Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! Divide it into individual portions and refrigerate for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Q10: What can I serve with this pasta?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli are delicious choices.