This hearty pasta with minced meat combines tender ground beef with colorful vegetables and melted cheese to create an irresistibly juicy one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner that will have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Ground beef – 400g (14.1 oz)
- Pasta – 270g (9.5 oz)
- Eggplant – 1 medium
- Red onions – 2 medium
- Carrot – 1 large
- Red bell pepper – 1 medium
- Tomatoes – 2 medium
- Fresh garlic – 3-4 cloves
- Tomato paste – 80ml (1/3 cup)
- Water – 240ml (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese – 100g (3.5 oz), grated
- Soft cheese – 100g (3.5 oz)
- Fresh cilantro – handful, chopped
- Fresh celery – 2 stalks, chopped
- Olive oil – 3-4 tablespoons
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Sweet paprika powder – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika powder, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the red onions, carrot, red bell pepper, eggplant, and tomatoes. Mince the fresh garlic and chop the celery.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onions and carrots to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the red bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggplant and Tomatoes
Add the diced eggplant to the pan with a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the eggplant begins to soften. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 7: Combine and Add Cheese
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the soft cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Step 8: Final Touch
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh cilantro. Season with additional black pepper if desired.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
Why This Recipe is Good for You
This pasta with minced meat provides a well-balanced meal rich in protein from the ground beef and cheese, supporting muscle health and satiety. The colorful vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes deliver essential vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber that promote digestive health and immune function. The combination of fresh herbs and spices not only enhances flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory benefits, making this a nutritious comfort food option for the whole family.