Savory Ground Beef Pesto Delight
Enjoy a delicious and easy ground beef pesto meal that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the robust flavors of ground beef with the freshness of pesto, creating a dish that's both satisfying and simple to prepare. With a few variations and tips, you can customize it to suit your taste. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 cooking spoon
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef lean
- 1 cup Pesto Sauce homemade or store-bought
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 small Onion finally chopped
- 1 tsp Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 2 tbsp Pine Nuts toasted
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil chopped (for garnish)
- 12 ounce Pasta cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine with Pesto: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pesto sauce. Mix well to ensure the beef is thoroughly coated with the pesto.
- Add Tomatoes: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the ground beef pesto over cooked pasta. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil for garnish.
Notes
Ground beef pesto is a delightful fusion of rich, savory ground beef and the vibrant flavors of pesto sauce. This dish combines the hearty satisfaction of ground beef with the aromatic, herbaceous notes of basil pesto, creating a meal that’s both comforting and refreshing. Popular for its simplicity and versatility, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this dish easy to prepare and immensely satisfying.
A: Yes, you can prepare the beef pesto mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and serve over freshly cooked pasta. Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Store the beef pesto mixture in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving. Q: What type of pasta works best with this dish?
A: Any pasta works well, but we recommend using short pasta like penne or fusilli to capture the sauce in every bite.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Swap: Use pecorino romano instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 30g |
Conclusion
This ground beef pesto recipe is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich combination of beef and pesto, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?A: Yes, you can prepare the beef pesto mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and serve over freshly cooked pasta. Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Store the beef pesto mixture in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving. Q: What type of pasta works best with this dish?
A: Any pasta works well, but we recommend using short pasta like penne or fusilli to capture the sauce in every bite.
