Zesty Ground Beef Pasta
- Brianne Thomas
- Jun 5, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
This is a zesty pasta dish with a creamy tomato sauce enhanced with garlic, onion, and a kick of heat, making it the epitome of warm, cozy comfort food.
During my summer vacations, I often earned money for school clothes by babysitting, which I genuinely enjoyed. Spending time with the kids was fun, and getting paid for it was a bonus. I frequently babysat at the parents' homes or even in a room of a local motel for a maid who wanted her children nearby. Being away from home meant I had to pack a lunch, usually something that could be eaten cold or needed minimal prep. My go-to was often a can of elbow pasta in tomato and beef sauce, the kind with a CHEF on the label, though ours probably just said "Kroger" or "Delchamps."
As I transitioned into adulthood and started living on my own, I moved away from canned meals and began crafting my own version of that dish. I should warn you, this homemade recipe is nothing like the canned variety, but trust me, it’s far superior. You won’t regret making the switch!
Why You’ll Love This Zesty Ground Beef Pasta
Affordable. Like many of my recipes, this dish uses budget-friendly ingredients.
Quick and Easy. A few simple steps, and this pasta is on the table in about 30 minutes.
Customizable. Adjust to your spice preferences and add your favorite veggies to make it your own delicious version.
How to Serve Zesty Ground Beef Pasta
I’m a huge fan of the salad, bread, and pasta combo, so I pair this with a delicious Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad and a piece of Garlic and Herb Sourdough Boule. Other great side choices are Simple Sauteed Green Beans or Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze. A little secret between us friends, add a drizzle of that Balsamic Glaze to the top of your Zesty Ground Beef Pasta. It gives that little bit of sweetness and balances the spiciness perfectly.
Helpful Tips for Making Zesty Ground Beef Pasta
Salt water. Always add salt to your water when making pasta. It is the only chance you have to season the pasta itself.
Pasta water. Reserve a ¼ cup of pasta water prior to draining. You can add a splash to the sauce if it is too thick to your liking.
Room Temperature. Keep the Half & Half at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. This will help keep the sauce from curdling.
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Ingredients
16 ounces egg noodles
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
10 ounces tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 cup Homemade Beef Stock
1 ½ cups half and half
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons parsley, chopped
Directions
Bring 5 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add 16 ounces of egg noodles to a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook for 6-8 minutes. Drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 1-pound lean ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Add 2 medium-diced onions and 4 cloves of minced garlic to the beef. Cook for approximately 3-5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Stir in 10 ounces of tomatoes and green chilies, 1 cup Homemade Beef Stock, and 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.
Reduce heat to low and add 1 ½ cups half and half.
Season with 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon each of crushed red pepper and ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir and allow to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the noodles with the beef mixture.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the zesty flavors!
How to Store Zesty Ground Beef Pasta
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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