This Creamy Ground Beef Pasta with Basil Pesto is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich and creamy flavors with the freshness of homemade pesto. The earthy and nutty aroma of the basil pesto perfectly complements the robust taste of ground beef, all brought together by a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, this dish is packed with flavor and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The homemade pesto adds a fresh, herby element to the hearty pasta dish, while the creamy beef sauce gives it a savory depth. It’s an easy, satisfying recipe that can be made in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or when you want a gourmet meal with minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Basil Pesto:

• Basil: 1 cup (fresh)
• Pine Nuts: 1 oz (25 g)
• Garlic: 1 clove
• Parmesan or Pecorino Cheese: 2 oz (50 g)
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
• Salt: To taste
• Pepper: To taste

For the Pasta:

• Ground Beef: 12 oz (350 g)
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Chili Pepper: 1, finely chopped
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Pasta: 9 oz (250 g)
• Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon
• Cream: 1/2 cup (100 ml)
• Salt: To taste
• Pepper: To taste

Making It Step by Step:

Step 1: Prepare the Basil Pesto

1. Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry pan, lightly toast the pine nuts over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic clove, and Parmesan or Pecorino cheese. Pulse until roughly chopped.
3. Add the Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while pulsing until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Ground Beef Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and finely chopped chili pepper, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Make it Creamy: Pour in the cream and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy ground beef sauce. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
2. Add Pesto: Stir in the prepared basil pesto for a fresh and vibrant finish. Let the flavors meld together for about 1-2 minutes on low heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Cooking Tips:

• Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining it. The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and adds extra creaminess.
• Pesto Freshness: If making pesto ahead of time, store it in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent it from browning.
• Creamy Sauce: For a lighter option, you can substitute the cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: While pesto doesn’t freeze well, the ground beef sauce can be frozen separately. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 600-650 kcal
• Protein: 30-35 g
• Fat: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3-5 g
• Sugar: 5-6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg (varies depending on the salt added)

FAQs:

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   • Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with a plant-based protein like lentils, or just enjoy the pasta with the pesto sauce alone.
2. What can I use instead of pine nuts for the pesto?
   • If pine nuts are unavailable or too expensive, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds.
3. How can I make the dish spicier?
   • If you love heat, add an extra chili pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes to the ground beef sauce.
4. Can I use store-bought pesto?
   • Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pesto is a great alternative. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
5. What type of pasta works best?
   • This recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Longer pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine can also be used if preferred.

Conclusion:

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta with Basil Pesto is a versatile and delicious meal that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef with the freshness of homemade pesto and a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, yet sophisticated enough for a weekend dinner party. It’s customizable to your preferences, whether you want to make it spicier, creamier, or even vegetarian. The basil pesto adds a delightful brightness, balancing out the rich beef and creamy sauce, while the chili pepper provides just the right amount of heat. Serve it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This is a recipe that you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation, as it’s sure to impress anyone at the table.