Mediterranean Beef and Pasta Skillet
Delight in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this sumptuous Beef and Pasta Skillet. Packed with ground beef, hearty penne pasta, and a colorful medley of vegetables, this one-dish meal is topped with creamy feta cheese for a perfect finish. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe captures the essence of Greek cuisine in under 30 minutes, making it a quick, comforting, and nutritious option for the whole family to enjoy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1/2 lb (browned)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (sautéed with ground beef)
beef broth
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (added to skillet)
penne pasta
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (added to skillet)
frozen cut green beans
1 1/2 cups (added to skillet)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (added to skillet)
oregano leaves
2 teaspoons (added to skillet)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (added to skillet)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (added to skillet)
crumbled feta cheese
3/4 cup (divided, half added to skillet and half for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onions are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
4
Once the broth is boiling, stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 8 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
5
Add the diced tomatoes, frozen cut green beans, tomato paste, oregano, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, and half of the crumbled feta cheese to the skillet. Gently stir to combine.
6
Increase the heat to bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer again without the lid. Cook for an additional 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
7
Once the desired thickness is achieved, sprinkle the remaining feta cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Beef and Pasta Skillet?
It is a one-dish meal featuring ground beef, penne pasta, vegetables, and feta cheese with Mediterranean flavors.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe captures the essence of Greek cuisine and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
What type of meat is used in this skillet?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of ground beef.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
Penne pasta is the recommended choice for this Mediterranean skillet dish.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the skillet?
No, the penne pasta is added to the skillet uncooked and simmers in the beef broth.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The dish includes chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and frozen cut green beans.
What type of cheese is used as a topping?
Crumbled feta cheese is used both inside the dish and as a topping.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish skillet supper ideal for busy weeknights.
What spices provide the Mediterranean flavor?
The recipe uses oregano leaves, ground cinnamon, and garlic powder for seasoning.
How much beef broth do I need?
You will need one 14.5-ounce can of beef broth.
Why is ground cinnamon included in a beef pasta recipe?
Cinnamon is a common spice in Greek cuisine that adds a warm, authentic depth to savory beef dishes.
How much onion is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How is the feta cheese divided in the recipe?
Half of the feta is stirred into the skillet during cooking, and the remaining half is sprinkled on top before serving.
How long should I sauté the beef and onion?
Sauté the ground beef and onion for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are tender.
Should I drain the fat after browning the beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the skillet after the beef has browned.
How long does the pasta simmer in the broth?
The uncooked pasta should simmer in the beef broth for about 8 minutes or until tender.
How much tomato paste is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
When do I add the frozen green beans?
The frozen cut green beans are added after the pasta has finished its initial 8-minute simmer.
How much oregano is used in the dish?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of oregano leaves.
What size can of diced tomatoes is needed?
You will need one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
When should I remove the lid from the skillet?
The lid should be removed for the final 7 to 10 minutes of simmering to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
What is the final cooking step before serving?
The final step is to sprinkle the remaining feta cheese on top of the skillet once the sauce has thickened.
Is this a quick dinner option for families?
Yes, it is a quick, comforting, and nutritious option that the whole family can enjoy.
Can I use garlic powder in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What cuisine style does this recipe follow?
This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean and Greek cuisine flavors.
How much ground cinnamon should I add?
You should add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much penne pasta is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of uncooked penne pasta.
How many green beans are added to the skillet?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of frozen cut green beans.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Continue to simmer the mixture without a lid for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Is this a good recipe for casual gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant flavors and hearty nature make it ideal for casual gatherings or easy weeknight meals.