Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure? This Meat and Veggie Marinara over Pasta is not just another recipe – it's a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds! Imagine perfectly browned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich marinara sauce dancing together over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. In just 50 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's both comforting and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can marinara sauce
- 8 oz pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 zucchini (diced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can marinara sauce, 8 oz pasta, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the pasta.
- While the water is heating, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and diced zucchini to the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the zucchini is tender.
- Pour the can of marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer while you cook the pasta.
- Once the water in the pot is boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the marinara sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer gently, stirring occasionally.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the marinara sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the meat and veggie marinara over pasta in bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Meat and Veggie Marinara over Pasta!
Tips
- For the most flavorful meat, choose ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) to ensure juiciness and rich taste.
- Don't rush the vegetable sautéing process. Cooking them slowly helps develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining – the starchy liquid helps create a silkier sauce and helps the sauce stick to the pasta better.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering.
- If you want to make this dish healthier, try using whole wheat pasta or substituting ground turkey for beef.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be a fantastic garnish to brighten up the final dish.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving – a little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 490kcal
Carbohydrates: 59g
Protein: g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
