Pasta Recipes With Ground Beef and Vegetables Made Easy

Pasta recipes with ground beef and vegetables are a wonderful way to combine hearty protein with nutritious produce, creating meals that are both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these recipes bring vibrant colors, rich flavors, and comforting textures to your plate.

Ground beef adds a savory depth, while vegetables contribute freshness and essential nutrients, making every bite balanced and wholesome. Plus, pasta itself is incredibly versatile and loved by all ages, making these dishes an easy crowd-pleaser.

In this post, you’ll discover some of the best pasta recipes featuring ground beef and a medley of vegetables. From classic Italian-inspired dishes to creative twists, these recipes are designed to be straightforward, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

You’ll also get tips on selecting ingredients, cooking techniques, and variations to suit your taste buds. Let’s dive into these delicious meals that will soon become staples in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pasta recipes with ground beef and vegetables are incredibly versatile and packed with flavors. They are perfect for busy weeknights because they come together quickly without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Using ground beef provides a rich, meaty flavor that pairs wonderfully with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and spinach.

Moreover, pasta is a comforting base that absorbs all the delicious sauces and juices, making each forkful a delight. These recipes are also budget-friendly, easy to customize, and can be made in one pot or skillet, which means less cleanup.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these dishes will satisfy cravings and nourish your body.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach or baby spinach
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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
• Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add vegetables: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Incorporate tomatoes and seasoning: Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Stir in spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
8. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the sauce and vegetables.
9. Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Tips & Variations

To make this dish even more nutrient-dense, consider adding chopped mushrooms, grated carrots, or peas along with the other vegetables.

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner protein option.
• Swap out pasta for whole wheat, gluten-free, or legume-based pasta for different textures and dietary needs.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness.
• For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
• Spice it up by adding a teaspoon of the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a smoky heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This hearty pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side also make excellent accompaniments, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

For a lighter option, serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. A chilled glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, complements the rich flavors of the ground beef and tomato sauce wonderfully.

If you’re interested in exploring more vegetable-packed meals, check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or the Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for inspiration.

Delicious Ground Beef and Vegetable Pasta Recipes to Try

Classic Beef and Vegetable Spaghetti

This recipe is a timeless favorite combining ground beef with fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and spinach served over spaghetti noodles. The sauce is seasoned with garlic, oregano, and basil for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti until al dente and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add diced tomatoes, bell pepper, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in spinach until wilted.
6. Toss with spaghetti and serve hot.

Creamy Beef and Vegetable Penne

For a creamy twist on the classic dish, this recipe uses a splash of cream or ricotta cheese to create a luscious sauce that coats penne pasta perfectly. Vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach add color and nutrition.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions and drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic, mushrooms, and zucchini until tender.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 8 minutes.
5. Mix in cream or ricotta cheese and spinach, cook until spinach wilts.
6. Toss sauce with penne and serve warm.

Spicy Beef and Vegetable Rigatoni

If you love a little heat, this recipe incorporates red chili flakes and smoky spices to give rigatoni pasta a fiery kick. Bell peppers, onions, and diced tomatoes balance the spice with sweetness.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook rigatoni until al dente, drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add diced tomatoes, chili flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
6. Combine rigatoni with the sauce and serve immediately.

For more creative and delicious pasta ideas, check out our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals or explore Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for dairy-free inspiration.

Conclusion

Cooking pasta recipes with ground beef and vegetables is a fantastic way to create nourishing, flavorful meals that the whole family will enjoy. These dishes offer the perfect blend of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, ensuring every bite is balanced and satisfying.

The versatility of these recipes means you can easily adapt them to include your favorite vegetables or tweak the seasoning to suit your palate.

Whether you prefer a classic tomato-based sauce, a creamy penne, or a spicy rigatoni dish, the combination of ground beef and fresh vegetables elevates pasta night to a whole new level. Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs, spices, and ingredient swaps to keep things exciting in your kitchen.

Happy cooking!

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