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Healthy Ground Beef Pasta

Wholesome Healthy Ground Beef Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes

This Healthy Ground Beef Pasta is a nutritious and quick dish perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Use your favorite type, cooked al dente
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Ideal for sautéing; substitute with canola oil for a lighter option
For the Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Choose 85/15 or 90/10 for a balance of flavor and leanness
  • 1 Onion Diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; switch to garlic powder if fresh isn’t on hand
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Spinach Add it towards the end of cooking for freshness
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved; feels free to swap with diced regular tomatoes
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste You can omit it for a lighter flavor profile
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Can be replaced with half-and-half or left out for a lighter version
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Finish with a sprinkle for richness
Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to your preference
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper Adjust to your preference

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¾ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion for 1-2 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for 7-9 minutes, breaking it up and stirring occasionally, until browned.
  4. Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in reserved pasta water, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well-coated with the sauce.
  7. Plate warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.

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