Beef pasta is a pasta dish made with ground beef, along with other ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, salt, pepper, cheese, beef stock and herbs like basil, thyme and oregano. The dish is prepared by making a sauce with browned ground beef, tomatoes and seasonings, and then tossing it with cooked pasta and grated cheese over heat. It is a versatile dish which may be served as an appetizer, side dish or a main dish. It may be prepared in many novel forms and flavors by addition of ingredients like zucchini, mushrooms and various types of cheeses. Beef pasta soup and beef zucchini pasta are some such versions.
Ingredients Used and Popular Methods of Preparation of Beef Pasta
Ingredients: Ingredients suggested by the beef pasta recipe include ground beef, pasta, beef broth, diced tomatoes, beef stock and cheese, such as Parmesan cheese. Seasonings like salt, ground black pepper, basil, thyme and oregano can be used. Additional ingredients like zucchini and mushrooms often form a part of the dish.
Method of Preparation: To prepare beef pasta, the pasta is first cooked in boiling salted water till tender yet firm. Meanwhile, garlic is sauteed in heated oil in a skiillet followed by the addition of beef which is sir fried and broken and allowed to brown. Canned tomatoes with their juices as well as seasonings are added at this stage, and the sauce is allowed to cook by simmering. Beef stock may also be included in this sauce. Cooked pasta and grated cheese are then mixed into the sauce, and heated till bubbly hot. It can then be served with a garnish of grated cheese. Many variations to the recipe can be found with the preparation of different types of sauces or use of additional ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Beef pasta is served hot, as an appetizer, side dish or sometimes as a main dish. It is served in bowls, with accompaniments like breads and salads. It may be garnished with grated cheese and/or basil leaves before serving.
Popular Beef Pasta Recipe Variations
- Four Cheese Beef Pasta: This dish contains four types of cheese, namely cream cheese, Swiss cheese, sharp Cheddar and Parmesan which are mixed in at the final stage of preparation.
- Beef and Zucchini Pasta: This version is prepared by addition of zucchini, which has been sliced and then cut into julienne strips, into the sauce along with other ingredients as per the beef pasta recipe.
- Beef Pasta Soup: This is made by cooking onion, garlic and beef in a saucepan till the beef browns, after which its fat is drained. Tomatoes, bouillon cubes, pepper and water are added to the meat, and it is allowed to cook by simmering. Orzo or any other soup pasta and vegetables like carrots and peas are added to this, and cooked. The soup can be served with Italian or French bread.
Health and Nutrition Facts about Pasta with Beef
Beef is a rich source of protein and B vitamins like B6 and B12, and pasta is a good source of folic acid. Beef pasta incorporates the benefits of both.
