why make this recipe
Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Ground Beef Pasta is a fantastic dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach into a creamy sauce. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also quick to prepare and clean up afterward since everything cooks in one pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without a lot of fuss.
how to make Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Ground Beef Pasta
Ingredients :
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup (50 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
- 12 oz (340 g) dried penne or rigatoni pasta
- 3 cups (720 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions :
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet.
- Add 1 pound (450 g) ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink and starting to brown (about 8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Lower heat to medium. Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the beef. Cook until fragrant and onions are translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in 1/3 cup (50 g) chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs. Toast slightly for 2 minutes to release flavors.
- Add 12 ounces (340 g) dried penne pasta, 3 cups (720 ml) beef broth, and 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Stir well to combine and ensure pasta is submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach and 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts, creating a creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Add a splash more broth or cream if sauce is too thick.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.
how to serve Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Ground Beef Pasta
This dish is great served warm straight from the pot. You can garnish it with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and presentation. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Ground Beef Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again.
tips to make Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Ground Beef Pasta
- Use lean ground beef to make it a bit healthier.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Stir often while cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the herbs to your taste for a more personalized flavor.
variation
You can easily switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will give it a nice kick.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Just reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to thin it out.
