Let’s be real—weeknights are chaos. Between work, errands, and life, who has time for a complicated dinner? That’s why I’m obsessed with this one-pan healthy ground beef pasta. It’s my go-to when I need something hearty, wholesome, and ready in under 30 minutes. Seriously, one pan means less mess, and the whole family loves it. Plus, it’s packed with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and just enough veggies to feel good about it. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it’s always a lifesaver on those “what’s for dinner?” nights. Trust me, this dish is as easy as it is delicious!
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Why You’ll Love This One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta
This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal—here’s why it’s a staple in my kitchen:
- Fast & fuss-free: Done in 25 minutes flat, with just one pan to wash (hello, lazy cleanup!).
- Nutrient-packed: Lean beef and whole wheat pasta keep it hearty without the guilt.
- Kid-approved: Even my picky eater licks the bowl clean—the savory beef and tender pasta are irresistible.
- Budget-friendly: Pantry staples + a pound of ground beef = dinner magic without breaking the bank.
It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade without the hassle—my ultimate win on busy nights!
Ingredients for One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple, satisfying dish—I bet most of these are already in your kitchen! The beauty of this recipe is how minimal the ingredient list is while still packing in flavor:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 works great—less grease means healthier and easier cleanup)
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (I like penne, but any short shape works)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or veggie broth if that’s what you’ve got)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned—no need to drain)
- 1 small onion, diced (yellow or white, whatever’s handy)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but ½ tsp jarred works in a pinch)
- 1 tsp each dried oregano and basil (or 1 tbsp fresh if you’re fancy)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you can)
- 1 tsp olive oil (just enough to get things sizzling)
- Salt to taste (I add this at the end—the broth adds plenty of flavor already)
One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta That Saves Busy Nights
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and healthy one-pan pasta dish with ground beef, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Add minced garlic and ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Cook until beef is browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and black pepper.
- Add whole wheat pasta and beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Season with salt if needed.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Add spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
How to Make One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta
Okay, let’s dive in—this dish comes together so fast, you’ll barely have time to set the table! Here’s exactly how I make it:
- Heat your pan: Grab that trusty large skillet (mine’s a 12-inch) and warm up 1 tsp olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers.
- Sauté the aromatics: Toss in your diced onion and let it soften for about 3 minutes—just until it turns translucent. Now add the garlic (careful not to burn it!) and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Mmm, that smell!
- Brown the beef: Crumble in your lean ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains—this takes about 5 minutes. Tip: I like to drain any excess fat here for a lighter dish.
- Spice it up: Stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Let everything mingle for 1-2 minutes—you’ll see the tomatoes start to break down slightly.
- Pasta time: Add your whole wheat pasta and beef broth. Give it all a good stir, making sure the pasta is submerged.
- Simmer to perfection: Bring it to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes—peek at 10 minutes to check pasta doneness. The broth should absorb completely, leaving you with tender pasta coated in rich flavor.
- Taste and serve: Give it a quick taste—I usually add just a pinch of salt at this point. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Tips for Perfect One Pan Pasta
A few tricks I’ve learned over countless batches:
- Stir occasionally: Especially after adding the pasta, give it a gentle stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.
- Broth check: If the pasta’s still firm but the liquid’s gone, splash in ¼ cup more broth or water and keep cooking.
- Lean is key: Using 90% lean beef means less grease to drain—healthier and easier cleanup!
- Don’t peek too much: Keeping the lid on helps the pasta cook evenly—resist the urge to stir constantly.
For a creamy, flavorful option, try our Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta — perfect for busy weeknights.
Variations for One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta
This recipe is super flexible—feel free to mix it up! Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. Toss in a handful of spinach or diced bell peppers for extra veggies. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a little heat. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta
This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love rounding it out with simple sides—especially on nights when I want dinner to feel extra special. Here’s what I pair with it:
- Crisp green salad: A handful of fresh greens with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Garlic toast: Just a slice or two of crusty bread rubbed with garlic—because who can resist?
- Steamed veggies: Broccoli or green beans add color and crunch without extra effort.
Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle extra fresh basil on top or grate a little Parmesan if we’re feeling fancy. Honestly? Leftovers taste amazing cold the next day—straight from the fridge!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? No problem! This pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—just pop it in an airtight container. For reheating, I splash in a tablespoon of broth or water and warm it gently on the stove or microwave until steamy. Freezing works too—portion it out in freezer bags for quick future meals!
Nutritional Information for One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta
Each serving of this hearty dish packs about 350 calories, with 25g of protein, 40g of carbs, and 10g of fat. It’s also loaded with 6g of fiber—thanks to the whole wheat pasta! Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary slightly based on ingredient brands or swaps. It’s a balanced meal that keeps you full and satisfied!
Get inspired with quick, family-friendly ground beef pasta recipes on Pinterest for stress-free meals.
Common Questions About One Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta
I get asked about this recipe all the time—here are the questions that pop up most often from friends and readers:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! I do this all the time when I want a lighter version. The cooking method stays exactly the same—just know the flavor will be milder. I like to bump up the herbs or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to compensate.
What if I don’t have whole wheat pasta?
No worries—regular pasta works fine! The texture might be slightly softer, and you may need to adjust cooking time by a minute or two. I’ve even used gluten-free pasta with great results.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This pasta freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I portion it into individual containers before freezing—perfect for quick lunches. When reheating, add a tablespoon of broth or water to bring back the moisture.
My pasta turned out a bit dry—what happened?
This usually means your heat was too high or the pasta absorbed more liquid than usual. Next time, check at 8 minutes and add a splash more broth if needed. Different pasta shapes and brands can vary in absorption rates.
Can I add other vegetables?
Please do! I often toss in whatever’s in my fridge—zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are favorites. Just add quick-cooking veggies in the last 5 minutes so they don’t get mushy.
Share Your Feedback
I’d love to hear how this one-pan healthy ground beef pasta turned out for you! Did your family devour it as fast as mine does? Or maybe you added your own twist—spinach, extra garlic, or a pinch of chili flakes? Whatever you did, let me know! Your stories and tips make this recipe even better, and I’m always here to chat about food. So, if you’ve got a moment, drop a note below—I’m all ears (and hungry for more ideas)!