Beef and Vegetable Pasta

Beef and Vegetable Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to our delicious beef and vegetable pasta recipe! This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Packed with protein from the beef and a variety of nutritious vegetables, this pasta dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering meal.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the pasta:

– 1 pound of penne pasta

– 1 tablespoon of olive oil

– Salt for boiling water

For the beef and vegetable sauce:

– 1 pound of ground beef

– 1 onion, diced

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

– 1 zucchini, sliced

– 1 cup of sliced mushrooms

– 1 can of crushed tomatoes

– 1 tablespoon of tomato paste

– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon of dried basil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

Follow these steps to prepare the beef and vegetable pasta:

1. Cook the pasta:

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

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

– Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Prepare the sauce:

– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

– Add the ground beef and cook until browned.

– Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.

– Stir in the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms, and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.

– Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

– Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Combine the pasta and sauce:

– Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.

– Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

4. Serve and enjoy:

– Divide the beef and vegetable pasta among plates.

– Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

– Serve hot and enjoy this delicious and comforting meal!

Variations

There are several ways to customize this beef and vegetable pasta recipe to suit your preferences:

1. Meat options:

– If you prefer a different type of meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, feel free to substitute it for the ground beef.

2. Vegetable variations:

– You can add or swap vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal taste. Try adding spinach, broccoli, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.

3. Cheese topping:

– Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta before serving for a cheesy twist.

Tips

Here are some tips to enhance your beef and vegetable pasta cooking experience:

1. Season generously:

– Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.

2. Cook pasta al dente:

– Be sure to follow the cooking time on the pasta package and cook it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can result in a mushy texture.

3. Save leftovers:

– This beef and vegetable pasta makes excellent leftovers. Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will taste even better the next day.

Conclusion

With its combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and al dente pasta, this beef and vegetable pasta recipe is a winner every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the satisfaction of a homemade meal!