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This Healthy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is quick, tasty, and packed with good stuff. Here’s what you need to make it: - 1 lb lean ground beef - 8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or rotini) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 1 cup low-sodium beef broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping) These ingredients work together to create a filling meal. Lean ground beef gives you protein. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber. Fresh veggies like spinach and bell pepper bring color and nutrients. Plus, you can adjust the flavors with spices like paprika and Italian seasoning. If you like cheese, sprinkle some Parmesan on top. This dish is a great way to enjoy hearty flavors while keeping it healthy. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the whole wheat pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Al dente pasta should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest. Next, grab a large skillet and heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pound of lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. Stir it well, and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess fat, drain it away. This step adds rich flavor to your dish. Now it’s time to add some color. Toss in one diced onion and one diced bell pepper into the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté these veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add two minced garlic cloves. The garlic will cook quickly, so let it sauté for only one more minute. This brings out its strong flavor, making your dish even better. After the vegetables are cooked, stir in a can of diced tomatoes, including the juice. Then pour in one cup of low-sodium beef broth. Add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and one teaspoon of paprika for extra taste. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Letting it simmer helps the flavors blend nicely. Once the mixture simmers, add in the cooked pasta and two cups of fresh spinach. Stir everything together gently. Ensure the spinach wilts down well. This should take just a couple of minutes. You want to make sure the pasta is coated in the sauce and that every bite is full of flavor. Remove the skillet from heat. You can serve this dish straight from the skillet. It looks great and keeps it warm. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. This dish is not only healthy but also quick to make and share with your family. Enjoy your meal! To get that perfect al dente texture, cook your pasta in boiling water for the time stated on the package. Check it a minute or two early. You want it to be firm but not hard. The key is to taste it as it cooks. When boiling your pasta, use a good amount of salt in the water. This adds flavor to the pasta. It should taste like the sea. This simple step makes a big difference in your dish. To make your dish even more flavorful, try adding spices like red pepper flakes or oregano. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a nice touch. These spices will brighten the flavors in your meal. Always remember to season to taste. After you mix all the ingredients, taste your dish. If it needs more salt or pepper, add some. This small step can take your dish from good to great. For a leaner option, choose ground beef that is at least 90% lean. This helps reduce fat but keeps great flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter. When cooking the ground beef, drain any excess fat after browning. If you notice a lot of grease in the pan, pour it out. This keeps your dish healthier and makes it less greasy. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook pasta al dente according to package instructions to ensure it retains a firm texture in the skillet. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of red wine to the skillet after browning the beef for an extra depth of flavor. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and taste. Meal Prep Magic: This dish can be made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta type for fun. Whole grain pasta gives more fiber. Gluten-free pasta works great for those with allergies. Try using chickpea or lentil pasta for a protein boost. Explore different shapes too. Bowties, shells, or spaghetti can change the look and feel. Adding more veggies makes this dish even better. You can toss in zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms. They add color and nutrients. Seasonal veggies like asparagus or cherry tomatoes can brighten the dish. Don’t forget leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for extra health benefits. If you want a meat-free meal, you can make this vegetarian. Use lentils or beans as a protein source. Tofu is a great option too. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These options keep it light but still tasty. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They are safe and easy to clean. Store the dish in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze this meal for later use. Portion it into smaller containers or bags. This helps with quick meals later. It stays good in the freezer for about three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the stove or microwave until hot. Get creative with leftovers! You can make a pasta bake by adding cheese and baking it. Or, turn it into a soup by adding broth. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth. This helps keep the pasta moist and flavorful. Enjoy your meal again and again! To add some heat, you can use crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you want more depth, try a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Each method brings a different flavor and heat level. Yes, you can use regular pasta. Whole wheat pasta has more fiber and nutrients, but both options work. Regular pasta is softer and cooks faster. If you want to keep it healthy, I suggest sticking with whole wheat. It offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with the beef and sauce. This dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to cool it down before putting it away. When reheating, warm it on low heat to avoid drying it out. Stir in a splash of beef broth if it seems dry. For low-carb options, use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. Both give you a hearty base without the carbs. You can also try shirataki noodles, which are very low in calories. These choices keep the dish light and healthy while still being filling. This post showed you how to make a tasty pasta dish with lean ground beef and fresh veggies. You learned cooking steps, ingredient choices, and helpful tips to boost flavor. Remember, you can customize this recipe to match your taste and dietary needs. Try different vegetables, pastas, or proteins. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen! This dish is easy to store and reheat, allowing you to savor it later. Happy cooking and savoring every bite!

Healthy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

A nutritious and delicious one-pan meal featuring lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Once simmering, add in the cooked pasta and fresh spinach. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is well combined with the sauce.
  • Remove from heat and serve directly from the skillet. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or adjust seasonings to taste.
Keyword beef, healthy, pasta, skillet