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A steaming bowl of simple ground beef comfort meal, ready to eat.

Classic Simple Ground Beef Skillet

This classic ground beef skillet recipe offers a comforting and simple meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring savory beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth, it's a dish the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 for best flavor
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes undrained
  • 1 cup Beef Broth
  • 1 cup Uncooked Pasta such as elbow macaroni or small shells
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese for topping, optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart, then drain excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
  3. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, then stir in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add uncooked pasta and stir well.
  5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove from heat and, if desired, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, covering until melted.
  7. Serve hot, with optional fresh parsley or basil garnish.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning. You can also customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.