Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further! This ditalini pasta with ground beef recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love, perfect for those seeking easy recipes or healthy meals. This recipe combines the simplicity of homemade cooking with the satisfying richness of ground beef and the delightful bite of ditalini pasta. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. This slow simmering develops a deeper, richer flavor.
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Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the ditalini pasta according to package directions.
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Combine and serve: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If desired, stir in the Parmesan cheese.
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Garnish and enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired. This quick dinner idea is perfect served with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ditalini with Ground Beef:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled vegan ground meat.
Variations:
- Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Cheesy: Add a cup of ricotta cheese along with the Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
- Hearty: Stir in some cooked vegetables like spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
This easy recipe for ditalini pasta with ground beef is a fantastic option for busy weeknights. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that offers a great balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy!