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Easy One-Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe with Hidden Veggie Sauce

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A quick and fuss-free one-pot pasta dish featuring ground beef and a hidden veggie tomato sauce that blends shredded carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers for added nutrition without compromising flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, lean or regular
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin recommended
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, finely shredded or chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, finely shredded
  • 1 small bell pepper, any color, finely diced
  • 1 can (28 ounces / 800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta of choice (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven.
  2. Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned with no pink spots, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add shredded carrot, zucchini, and diced bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until veggies soften but retain moisture, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Mix in 1 can crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, stirring well to combine.
  7. Pour in 2 cups broth, sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir.
  8. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  9. Stir in 8 ounces pasta, ensuring it is submerged. Cover with a lid slightly ajar and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Add water or broth if sauce thickens too quickly.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs. Add a pinch of sugar if sauce is too acidic.
  11. Serve warm topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Finely shred veggies to blend smoothly into the sauce and avoid noticeable chunks. Stir often towards the end to prevent pasta from sticking. Use broth instead of water to cook pasta for extra flavor. Adjust liquid as needed if sauce thickens too fast. Optional additions include fresh spinach near the end, a splash of cream, or fresh basil for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, ground beef pasta, hidden veggie sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family-friendly, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/easy-one-pot-ground-beef-pasta-recipe-with-hidden-veggie-sauce/