Italian Ground Beef Dinner

Transform weeknight cooking with this hearty and flavorful Italian Ground Beef Dinner! This one-pan recipe combines tender ground beef, vibrant veggies like zucchini and red bell pepper, and perfectly cooked pasta all simmered in a rich marinara sauce. Seasoned with fragrant Italian herbs and a touch of garlic, this comforting dish is brought to life with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Ready in just under 45 minutes, it's an easy, family-friendly meal that's perfect for busy days. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete Italian-inspired feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 0.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

Step 3

Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5

Stir in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 6

Mix in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the beef and vegetables in spices.

Step 7

Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 8

Add the dry pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce. Cover and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.

Step 9

Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top and stir to melt it into the dish.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your Italian Ground Beef Dinner!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1792.7 grams (1792.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2068

Total Fat 132.00g	169%
Saturated Fat 46.20g	231%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 341mg	114%
Sodium 3213mg	140%
Total Carbohydrate 114.50g	42%
Dietary Fiber 15.30g	55%
Total Sugars 25.90g
Protein 115.80g	232%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 639mg	49%
Iron 12mg	67%
Potassium 2205mg	47%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.3%

Protein: 22.0%

Carbs: 21.7%