One Pot Beef Pasta Easy Dinner Recipe
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Looking for an easy dinner that uses simple pantry staples and only one pot? This One Pot Beef Pasta is a hearty, family-friendly meal made with ground beef, tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce. this easy ground beef dinner is ready in about 30 minutes, budget-friendly, and best of all, there’s only one pan to wash afterward.
It is like those Beef Pasta Hamburger Helper recipes but only much better! By adding a few spices, fresh vegetables, and some noodles, you will have a tasty casserole-style ground beef dinner that is ready in minutes.
Whether you’re trying to stretch your grocery budget or just need a quick weeknight dinner everyone will eat, this homemade version is even better than boxed hamburger pasta dinners.
Like my deconstructed lasagna, it’s a quick hearty meal idea.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
It is tasty and hearty so a definite win for supper! I love it when I can just take some ingredients that I have on hand, put them in a pot and have it come out to be a tasty dinner. It is sure to become a family favorite!
I make it often and change up the vegetables once in a while, depending on what is in season or what is on sale. I love using fresh zucchini and peppers because they have great health benefits, but you can add other fresh vegetables as well. Corn, carrots, celery, and peas would also work well if you wanted to try different combinations.
This makes such an easy dinner idea and is ready in about 30 minutes.
one pot ground beef pasta Ingredients
- Ground Beef – Use 80/20 for the best flavor, or substitute lean ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage.
- Zucchini – Adds nutrition without overpowering the dish.
- Bell Pepper
- Tomatoes – Whole canned tomatoes create the richest flavor, but diced tomatoes work really well too.
- Pasta – Elbow, rotini, shells, or penne all work well. Use whatever you have on hand.
How To Make One Pot Beef Pasta
Step by Step Instructions Overview. Full details in recipe card.
Step 1 – brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then add the sliced zucchini, bell peppers and any other vegetables.
Step 2 – Add tomatoes and add the water.
Step 3 – Add the pasta and heat until it comes to a boil and cover. Reduce heat to medium heat and cook another 13-17 minutes until pasta is tender.
Step 4 – Uncover skillet dinner and stir. Top with shredded cheese.
You will have a delicious ground beef dinner that is hot and steamy and ready!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different pasta?
Yes. Rotini, penne, shells, bow ties, and rigatoni all work.
Can I freeze One Pot Beef Pasta?
Yes. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
No. Everything cooks together.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes. Peel and chop them first.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Use plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth.
For More Easy Pasta Dinner Ideas try my Cheeseburger Pasta or my Beef with Garlic Sauce.
Time Saving Tips ⏰
- Buy pre-cut zucchini and peppers.
- Brown several pounds of ground beef at once and freeze in meal-sized portions.
- Use kitchen shears to chop canned tomatoes directly in the pot.
- Shred your cheese ahead of time.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for another dinner.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese – An easy crockpot pasta recipe that does not require pre-boiling of the pasta. So good and so easy!
Chicken Bacon Gouda Pasta – Chicken, bacon, cheese, and pasta come together for a wonderfully flavorful, comforting dinner idea.
Ham and Asparagus Spaghetti – An easy weeknight favorite.
Pasta with Tomato Sauce – so simple and kids love it!
Ham Spinach Pasta – Spinach and ham in a light parmesan sauce.
More Ground Beef Dinner Ideas
Ground Beef Pasta – A cheesy beef pasta recipe is so easy and it all comes together in a single skillet on your stove
Taco Pasta with Ground Beef – A fan favorite recipe for taco lovers!
One Pot Beef Pasta Recipe
One Pot Beef Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 zucchini
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 14.5 can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 8oz can tomato sauce
- 2/3 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown ground beef in pan, drain grease.
- While beef is browning, wash all vegetables
- Slice zucchini into 1/4″ slices
- Add all ingredients to pan except cheese.
- Cook over medium heat until boiling.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cook 15 – 17 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Serve with Mozzarella cheese
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta.
- Stir once or twice while simmering.
- Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully.
- Add spinach during the final 2 minutes.
Nutrition
We hope you enjoyed this simple ground beef casserole dinner! For more simple recipes, be sure to subscribe to my CELEBRATE THE SEASON newsletter, you can subscribe here. I share a few things that I don’t share here and I email you only once a week. I know how valuable your time is and respect that tremendously!
Yum! There is something so fabulous about beef and zucchini. Definitely a favourite combo!!
Yes! I love the combo too! Thanks for your sweet comment!
I love zucchini in recipes! I made my first one pot pasta dish last month and it was a hit with the family. Now I’m hooked!
Aren’t they great! I love the easy clean up too!
I love one-pot meals, and this looks like a great one for a cold night!
Yes it is perfect for chilly evenings Ashley!