Welcome to our flavorful journey where hearty beef meets vibrant vegetables in a comforting pasta dish perfect for any day of the week! If you’re craving a meal that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare, this beef and vegetable pasta recipe is an absolute winner.
It combines tender ground beef, fresh garden vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed in a savory sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or just someone who loves a good comfort meal, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Plus, if you enjoy watching cooking videos, this recipe translates wonderfully into a step-by-step YouTube tutorial. You’ll see just how simple it is to bring together these wholesome ingredients into a beautiful, delicious dinner that everyone will love.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef and vegetable pasta recipe is a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor. The combination of ground beef with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes creates a nutrient-rich dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
It’s versatile—you can easily swap veggies or pasta types to suit your preferences or dietary needs. The sauce is rich but not overpowering, making it ideal for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.
Best of all, it’s quick to make, coming together in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Want more delicious pasta inspirations? Check out our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals for plant-based pasta ideas.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for draining pasta
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with your spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season and simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate spinach and pasta: Add the fresh spinach leaves to the sauce and stir until wilted. Then fold in the cooked pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
- Final touches: Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, if using. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of red wine to the beef while it browns, letting it reduce slightly before adding the vegetables.
You can customize this dish easily based on what you have on hand. Try swapping beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
If you prefer a vegetarian twist, substitute beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
For an extra kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties and ensure your canned tomatoes do not contain any gluten additives.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This beef and vegetable pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side will complete your meal beautifully.
For a lighter option, serve with steamed broccoli or a side of roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine, such as a medium-bodied Merlot or Chianti, complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Looking for more hearty meal ideas? Check out our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals or explore A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion to diversify your dinner table.
Conclusion
This beef and vegetable pasta recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the best of hearty and healthy ingredients into one delicious dish. It’s straightforward to prepare, packed with flavor, and flexible enough to accommodate many dietary preferences or ingredient swaps.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers a satisfying and balanced meal that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Don’t forget to check out the accompanying YouTube tutorial to see each step in action—making cooking even easier and more enjoyable. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious creation!
📖 Recipe Card: Beef and Vegetable Pasta
Description: A hearty and flavorful pasta dish combining tender beef with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes; cook 5 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and oregano; simmer for 8 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet; toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 520 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 50 g
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