Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?

No, you should never start browning ground beef that is still frozen. It will release too much water, resulting in steamed, gray meat instead of properly browned, flavorful meat. Always thaw the ground beef completely before starting step two.

Why is cinnamon used in a savory dish like this?

Cinnamon is a traditional spice in many Mediterranean meat sauces, particularly Greek and Middle Eastern recipes. It doesn’t make the dish taste sweet; rather, it adds a warm, complex depth (a compound called cinnamaldehyde) that complements the richness of the beef and balances the acidity of the tomatoes, making the overall flavor profile more rounded and savory.

What type of pot is best for this one-pot recipe?

The best equipment for this One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is a large, heavy-bottomed pot, a Dutch oven, or a wide, deep sauté pan with a tight-fitting lid. The heavy bottom helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the pasta from sticking and burning, which is the biggest risk in one-pot cooking. The pot should be large enough to comfortably hold the meat, the four cups of liquid, and the dry pasta without overflowing.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

You can easily double the recipe, but be aware that doubling the volume requires a significantly larger pot (8 quarts or more) and may slightly increase the cooking time. Halving the recipe is also straightforward, but you must ensure you maintain the correct ratio of liquid to pasta (roughly 2.5 parts liquid to 1 part pasta by weight) to guarantee the pasta cooks properly.

Does it matter what shape of pasta I use?

You should use a medium-sized, sturdy shape like penne, rigatoni, rotini, or gemelli. Avoid very delicate shapes (like thin vermicelli or bow ties) as they can easily overcook or break down. Also, avoid large, flat shapes (like lasagna noodles or fettuccine) as they tend to stick together in the one-pot method.

One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe | Easy Weeknight Meal

The Tested One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe for a Weeknight Win

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A comforting and easy One Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe that cooks the noodles directly in the sauce for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Perfect for a busy weeknight.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

500g (1 lb 2oz) lean ground beef

350g (12 oz) dry pasta (penne, rigatoni)

400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

960 ml (4 cups) beef stock or water with stock cubes

1 onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp brown sugar

2 tsp dried mint or Italian seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp sweet paprika

1 tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

1 bay leaf

6 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan, divided

2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare all seasonings (dry spices, sugar) and dissolve stock cubes in boiling water, set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and half of the seasoning mix. Cook until softened (5-7 minutes).

3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and remaining seasoning. Brown thoroughly, breaking up the meat.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Pour in the beef stock and bay leaf. Bring to a strong simmer.

5. Add the dry pasta, stirring to submerge. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Cook until pasta is al dente. Discard bay leaf and stir in half the Parmesan. Season to taste.

7. Garnish with remaining Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for best results and to prevent sticking.

If the sauce is too thick, add a quarter cup of hot water at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Store leftovers for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 681
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 1475mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.4g
Carbohydrates: 85g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 44g
Cholesterol: 83mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/one-pot-ground-beef-pasta-recipe/