Ditalini Pasta [Ground Beef] Easy Dinner Idea

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 6 oz Frozen Chopped Onions (half of a 12‑oz bag, pre‑chopped)
• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (about 90% lean)
• 1 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (dried blend of herbs)
• 24 oz Marinara Sauce (Classico Tomato & Basil or any good quality marinara)
• 4 cups Water (tap water)
• 1 box Ditalini Pasta (about 12 oz, small tube pasta)
• 1 cube Chicken Bouillon Cube (adds savory depth)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 0.25 cup Heavy Cream (35% milkfat)

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions

   Heat the stock pot over medium‑high heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil, then add 6 oz frozen chopped onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: medium‑high

2. Brown the Ground Beef

   Add the 1 lb lean ground beef to the pot. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Break the meat up with the spoon and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–7 minutes.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: medium‑high

3. Add Sauce, Water, Pasta & Bouillon

   Stir in the 24 oz marinara sauce, 4 cups water, the entire box of ditalini pasta, and the chicken bouillon cube. Mix well to combine.

   Time: PT2M

4. Simmer the Pasta

   Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring every 2–3 minutes to keep the pasta from sticking, for 10–12 minutes or until the ditalini is al dente.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: simmer

5. Finish with Cheese and Cream

   Remove the pot from heat. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.

   Time: PT2M

6. Serve

   Scoop the pasta into bowls, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top, and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

540

Protein

17 g

Carbohydrates

19 g

Fat

17 g

Fiber

0.5 g