If you’re looking for easy and delicious family dinner ideas, ground beef is your best friend! It’s versatile, quick to cook, and packed with flavor—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, there’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta dish that brings everyone together. This recipe is not only simple, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first! In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to break it up with a spatula as it cooks!
- Once the beef is browned, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these together until the onion is soft and translucent, which will take around 3-4 minutes. Oh, the smell is divine!
- Now, stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good mix and let it come to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens—let it simmer for about 10 minutes so all those flavors can meld together beautifully.
- After simmering, it’s time to mix in the cooked pasta. Stir it well to combine everything evenly.
- Lastly, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Trust me, this is the best part!
- Before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, a little taste test goes a long way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when time is tight.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and grown-ups alike will adore this cheesy, savory meal—it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
- Flavorful: With the combination of ground beef, garlic, and Italian seasoning, every bite is packed with deliciousness that your taste buds will thank you for.
- Healthy Option: Using lean ground beef and incorporating veggies like onions and tomatoes gives you a satisfying, nutritious dinner.
- Versatile: This recipe serves as a fantastic base! You can easily add your favorite vegetables or spices to customize it to your family’s taste.
Tips for Success
- Choose Lean Ground Beef: I always opt for lean ground beef (like 90% lean) to keep this dish a bit lighter. It still packs all that great flavor without the extra grease!
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re soft really boosts the flavor of the dish. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
- Season to Taste: Taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your family’s preferences.
- Mix in Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini when you add the tomatoes. They’ll cook down nicely and blend right in!
- Switch Up the Cheese: While I love using shredded cheese on top, you can change it up! Try using mozzarella for that stretchy goodness or Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: If you’re short on time, you can easily make this in a slow cooker. Just brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 4-6 hours.
Variations
- Add Some Greens: Spinach or kale can be tossed in right before serving for a pop of color and extra nutrition. They wilt beautifully and blend in with the dish!
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture while it simmers. Your taste buds will dance!
- Herb Swap: Instead of Italian seasoning, try using fresh basil or oregano. They add a lovely freshness that complements the dish perfectly.
- Mix in Different Veggies: Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even carrots can be sautéed with the onions for a delightful twist. Just chop them small so they cook evenly.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses! Feta adds a tangy kick, while cheddar gives it a sharpness that’s simply irresistible.
- Switch the Pasta: Not a fan of the pasta I suggested? Any pasta shape works here! Try penne, fusilli, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious ground beef pasta dish. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not only satisfying but also offers a nice balance of protein and carbs to fuel your family’s day. Enjoy with peace of mind knowing you’re serving up something nutritious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers are one of the best parts of this delicious ground beef dish! To store them properly, let the pasta cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for grabbing a quick meal later!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, you can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’re using the stovetop, just add a splash of beef broth or water to the skillet to keep the pasta from drying out, and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
If you prefer the microwave, place your portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel (to keep moisture in), and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Just make sure not to overheat it, or you might end up with rubbery cheese—yikes!
And there you have it! Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!
What if I don’t have beef broth? No worries! You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water in a pinch. Just remember that it might slightly change the flavor profile, but it’ll still be tasty!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? For sure! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just prepare everything up to the point of adding the cheese, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and add your cheese!
Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It should last up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian? You can easily swap out the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, chickpeas, or even some diced mushrooms for that hearty texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and you’re all set!
Print
Family Dinner Ideas Ground Beef: 7 Comforting Recipes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious family dinner recipe using ground beef.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix in cooked pasta.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Serve with a side salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: family dinner ideas, ground beef, easy recipes
