Savory Beef and Vegetable Pasta Bake
This Savory Beef and Vegetable Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a colorful medley of frozen vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder requires minimal prep and comes together in just over 30 minutes. With the rich flavors of tomatoes and herbs, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, it's not only satisfying but also a great way to sneak in those nutritious vegetables. Your family will love this deliciously filling dish that promises to bring everyone together around the dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (crumbled)
butter or margarine
1 tablespoon (melted)
small onion
1 (minced)
canned tomatoes with juice
28 ounces (crushed)
elbow macaroni
1/2 cup (uncooked)
frozen mixed vegetables
10 ounces (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
grated parmesan cheese
to taste (for serving)
black olives
to taste (sliced for garnish)
dill pickle
to taste (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into the skillet and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, stirring frequently.
2
Add the minced onion to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes along with their juice and the uncooked elbow macaroni. Mix well to ensure the macaroni is covered with the tomato sauce.
4
Bring the mixture to a simmer and then add in the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir to combine, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5
After cooking, season the dish with salt, oregano, basil, and pepper. Stir gently to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
6
Serve hot, sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese and garnished with sliced black olives and dill pickles if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef and Vegetable Pasta Bake?
It is a hearty comfort food dish that combines lean ground beef, elbow macaroni, and frozen mixed vegetables in a savory tomato sauce.
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
The dish comes together in just over 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of crumbled lean ground beef.
Do I need to boil the macaroni beforehand?
No, you add the elbow macaroni uncooked directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce.
What kind of tomatoes are required?
You will need 28 ounces of crushed canned tomatoes with their juice.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine to be used.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be finely minced before being sautéed.
What type of vegetables are included?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of frozen mixed vegetables.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a one-pot wonder that requires minimal prep and uses a single large skillet.
How long do I sauté the onion?
The minced onion should be sautéed over low heat for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
At what heat should I cook the ground beef?
The ground beef should be cooked in melted butter over medium-high heat until browned.
When do I add the frozen vegetables?
Add the frozen vegetables once the tomato and macaroni mixture has been brought to a simmer.
How long does the pasta bake need to simmer?
It should cook covered for 20-25 minutes until the macaroni is tender.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with dried oregano leaves and dried basil leaves.
What cheese is recommended for serving?
The recipe suggests sprinkling grated parmesan cheese over the hot dish before serving.
Are there any suggested garnishes?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with sliced black olives and dill pickles if desired.
How much macaroni is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni.
What are the primary seasonings?
Salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil are the primary seasonings.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
What is the amount of black pepper used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How much oregano and basil should I add?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil leaves.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, use the crushed tomatoes along with their juice to ensure the macaroni has enough liquid to cook.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a family-friendly meal and is a great way to include vegetables in a kid-friendly format.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as a pasta bake and a one-dish meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients including garnishes and seasonings.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, the instructions suggest adjusting the seasoning as needed after the cooking process.
What texture should the beef have?
The beef should be crumbled into the skillet and cooked until no longer pink.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it hot, topped with parmesan cheese and optional olives or pickles.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a quick dinner and an easy recipe.
What makes the macaroni tender?
The macaroni becomes tender by simmering in the juice from the crushed tomatoes for 20-25 minutes.