Ground Beef & Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound 90%-lean ground beef
- 8 ounces mushrooms
finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 can no-salt-added tomato sauce
15 ounce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces whole-wheat rotini or fusilli
- ½ cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- 1
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beef, mushrooms and onion and cook, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink and the mushroom liquid is mostly evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.
- 2
Stir in tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, salt and garlic powder.
- 3
Add pasta. Bring to a boil.
- 4
Cover, reduce heat and cook, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 16 to 18 minutes.
- 5
Sprinkle the pasta with cheese, cover and cook until the cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes more.
- 6
Garnish with basil, if desired.
Ground Beef & Pasta Skillet
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, hearty meal that also sneaks in extra vegetables without a fuss? This Ground Beef & Pasta Skillet is your answer, making weeknight dinners both delicious and nutritious.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this one-skillet pasta a family favorite is its clever approach to healthy eating. The secret lies in finely chopped mushrooms, which blend seamlessly with the ground beef, enhancing the savory flavor and texture while boosting the vegetable content, often without anyone even noticing. It’s a complete meal, cooked conveniently in a single pan.
What to Expect
You'll be greeted with a rich, robust meat sauce clinging perfectly to tender whole-wheat rotini or fusilli. The harmonious blend of no-salt-added tomato sauce, savory Worcestershire, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a hint of garlic creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile. The finely textured mushrooms integrate so well that they become indistinguishable from the beef, making this an ideal way to introduce more plant-based goodness into your diet. Finished with a generous sprinkle of extra-sharp Cheddar and fresh basil, this dish offers a delightful balance of tang, umami, and freshness.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to swap out the whole-wheat rotini or fusilli for another short pasta shape like penne or cavatappi, adjusting cooking times as needed. For a different cheesy finish, consider using a sharp provolone or a Monterey Jack cheese. If fresh basil isn't on hand, a small amount of dried basil can be stirred in with the other seasonings, though fresh offers a brighter flavor.
Serving & Context
This hearty skillet pasta is perfect for a comforting family dinner on a busy weeknight. Serve it alongside a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.