Ground beef and a box of pasta add up to some of the most-requested dinners in any house. These six use pantry basics and most are on the table in about 30 minutes.
Have a few other things in the fridge too? Type them in and get dinner ideas that use exactly what you have.
Time: 25 min · Also need: milk, cheddar, ketchup, mustard, broth
Like the boxed kind, but made from scratch in one pot and ready just as fast.
Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large pot and drain.
Add 3 cups broth or water, 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp mustard and 8 oz short pasta. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often.
Turn off the heat and stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar until creamy.
Elbows or small shells work best. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
2. Quick weeknight bolognese
Time: 30 min · Also need: a jar of pasta sauce or crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic
A meaty sauce that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.
Cook 1 lb spaghetti or penne.
Brown 1 lb ground beef with a diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
Add a 24 oz jar of pasta sauce or a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes with a pinch of Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes and toss with the pasta.
A splash of milk or cream stirred into the sauce at the end makes it richer and softer.
3. Chili mac
Time: 30 min · Also need: a can of beans, a can of diced tomatoes, chili powder, cheese
Two family favorites in one bowl.
Brown 1 lb ground beef with a diced onion. Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder and 1 tsp cumin.
Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can drained kidney or pinto beans, 2½ cups broth or water and 8 oz elbow pasta.
Simmer covered 12 to 14 minutes until the pasta is tender. Top with cheese.
Mild chili powder keeps it kid-friendly. Hot sauce goes on the table for grown-ups.
4. Baked ziti
Time: 45 min · Also need: pasta sauce, ricotta or cottage cheese, mozzarella
Lasagna flavor without the layering. Great for feeding a crowd.
Cook 1 lb ziti or penne 2 minutes short of the box time and drain.
Brown 1 lb ground beef and stir in a 24 oz jar of sauce.
Mix the pasta, sauce and 1 cup ricotta. Spread in a baking dish, top with 2 cups mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Assemble it in the morning, refrigerate, and add 10 minutes to the bake time.
5. American goulash
Time: 35 min · Also need: onion, a can of tomato sauce, a can of diced tomatoes, paprika
The old-school pot of beef, tomatoes and macaroni that so many of us grew up on.
Brown 1 lb ground beef with a diced onion.
Add 1 can tomato sauce, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups water, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
Stir in 2 cups elbow macaroni and simmer covered 15 to 18 minutes, stirring now and then.
Even better the next day. Add a splash of water when reheating.
6. Taco pasta skillet
Time: 25 min · Also need: taco seasoning, salsa, cheese
Taco night meets pasta night. Kids love it.
Brown 1 lb ground beef and stir in taco seasoning.
Add 1 cup salsa, 2½ cups water and 8 oz small shells. Simmer covered 10 to 12 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese and top with whatever taco toppings you have.
Crushed tortilla chips on top add a nice crunch.
Quick answers
How much pasta for 4 people?
About 8 oz dry pasta is plenty when there is meat in the sauce. Use a full pound for big eaters or leftovers.
Can I cook pasta right in the sauce?
Yes. One-pot recipes work as long as there is enough liquid, about 2½ to 3 cups for 8 oz pasta, and you stir often.
What temperature should ground beef be cooked to?
The USDA recommends 160°F (71°C). Without a thermometer, cook it until no pink remains.
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