This hearty and flavorful pasta dish combines ground beef with a rich basil pesto, creating a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. With a blend of savory ingredients and a touch of heat from chili, this recipe brings together fresh and comforting flavors.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
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
Directions:
- Prepare the Basil Pesto:
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until finely chopped.
- Add Olive Oil: Gradually add the olive oil while blending until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Sauce:
- Cook Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and chili pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Tomato Paste and Cream: Stir in the tomato paste and cream. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the beef sauce and toss to combine. Stir in the basil pesto and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Cooking Tips:
- Pasta Texture: Cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid overcooking it when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust Spice Level: For a milder dish, omit or reduce the chili pepper.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Basil: Provides antioxidants and essential vitamins.
- Ground Beef: A good source of protein and iron.
- Pine Nuts: Adds healthy fats and protein.
Dietary Information:
- Contains Dairy: Parmesan cheese.
- Contains Gluten: From the pasta.
- Can Be Made Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful: Combines rich beef sauce with aromatic basil pesto.
- Comforting: Hearty and satisfying meal.
- Quick Prep: Simple ingredients and easy to make.
- Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Conclusion:
This pasta with beef and basil pesto is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. The combination of savory beef and aromatic pesto creates a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious recipe as a hearty main course that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino or any other hard cheese you prefer. - Can I make the basil pesto ahead of time?
Yes, pesto can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. - What if I don’t have a food processor?
You can finely chop the ingredients by hand and mix them with a fork or blender. - Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative. - Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet. - Can I add vegetables to the beef sauce?
Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added to enhance the dish. - How do I adjust the spiciness?
Reduce or omit the chili pepper for a milder dish. - Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto can be used if you prefer a quicker option. - How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. - Can this dish be served cold?
While it is best served hot, it can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad.