Easy One-Pot Ground Beef Dinner Recipe: Your Family’s New Favorite Meal
Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that’s sure to please the entire family? Look no further! This easy one-pot ground beef dinner recipe is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly satisfying. With just a few ingredients and one pot, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time. Perfect for busy moms, dads, and anyone seeking a simple yet delicious family dinner, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your household!
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
Ground beef recipes are popular for a reason—they’re versatile, affordable, and quick to prepare. This one-pot wonder is ideal for those hectic weeknights when you want to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. It’s perfect for serving at family gatherings, and you can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences. Whether you add more veggies or spice it up with your favorite seasonings, this easy ground beef recipe is bound to win hearts at the dining table.
Ingredients
For this easy one-pot ground beef dinner recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your choice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (or your favorite herbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s dive into how to make this delicious one-pot ground beef dinner!
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant.
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Incorporate Veggies: Add the chopped bell pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes. This adds color and nutrients to your dish!
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Mix it Up: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
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Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover again, and let it sit for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or frozen peas for extra nutrition.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños when browning the beef.
- Healthy Alternatives: Substitute whole wheat pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a healthier twist.
- Make it a Casserole: If you prefer a baked version, transfer it to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This easy one-pot ground beef dinner recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a crowd-pleaser that promises to make family dinners stress-free and enjoyable. The best part? You can get creative and customize it to make it your own. So why not give it a try? Your family will thank you for it!
Try it and let us know how it turned out! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you made. Happy cooking!