Delicious Homemade Ground Beef Pasta (Printable View)
Hearty ground beef, pasta, and vegetables simmered in tomato broth for a cozy, quick weeknight meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces
07 - 1 cup frozen peas
08 - 1 cup baby spinach, optional
→ Pasta
09 - 1 cup small pasta shells or ditalini
→ Liquids
10 - 6 cups beef broth
11 - 1 can tomato sauce, 8 ounces
→ Spices & Seasonings
12 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
16 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Cheese (optional)
17 - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender.
03 - Stir in minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Sauté for about 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
05 - Add pasta to the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is nearly al dente.
06 - Add frozen peas and baby spinach (if using) during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Simmer until all vegetables and pasta are fully tender.
07 - Season soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The soup practically invites you to use up whatever veggies are hiding in your fridge.
- No matter how crummy the weather or mood, one bowl can turn the day right around.
02 -
- Letting the pasta simmer too long will soak up all your broth, so keep an eye on it.
- Using full-flavored beef broth (not just water) is what gives this soup its cozy depth.
03 -
- Browning the beef in batches keeps it from steaming and amps up the savory goodness.
- A squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar at the end wakes up all the flavors.