Ground Beef & Tomato Buttered Noodles

Description

A cozy, flavorful pasta dish made with tender ground beef, wide egg noodles, juicy tomatoes, bell pepper, garlic, and herbs. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–5

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles or pappardelle
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the noodles:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package directions until tender. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Brown the beef:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Cook the vegetables:
   Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Add garlic and seasoning:
   Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add tomatoes and broth:
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and broth. Let everything simmer for 4–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
6. Make it buttery:
   Reduce the heat to low and add the butter. Stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
7. Combine with noodles:
   Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss gently. Add a little reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
8. Add Parmesan:
   Sprinkle in the Parmesan and toss again until the noodles are coated in the flavorful beef and tomato mixture.
9. Garnish:
   Top with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan.
10. Serve:
    Serve hot with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Healthy Benefits

• Ground beef provides protein and iron.
• Bell peppers and tomatoes add vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Garlic and herbs add flavor without needing a heavy sauce.
• Adding vegetables makes the pasta more filling and balanced.

Pro Tip

Don’t overcook the noodles. Cook them just until al dente, then finish them in the skillet with the beef mixture. They will absorb the flavorful buttery sauce.

Frequency

This is a great once-a-week comfort meal, especially when paired with a fresh salad or extra vegetables.

Q/A

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, rotini, or spaghetti all work well.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey makes a lighter version.

Can I make it creamy?
Yes. Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese or ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.

Serve With

• Green salad
• Garlic bread
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted vegetables
• Cucumber and tomato salad

Variations

• Cheesy: Add mozzarella or extra Parmesan.
• Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes.
• Creamy: Add heavy cream or cream cheese.
• Mediterranean: Add spinach, olives, and a little feta.
• Vegetable-packed: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Related Recipe Ideas

• Garlic Butter Beef & Noodles
• Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
• Beef and Tomato Skillet
• One-Pot Cheesy Beef Pasta
• Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes

Final Thought

This Ground Beef & Tomato Buttered Noodles recipe is simple, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors. It’s an easy way to turn everyday ingredients into a satisfying family dinner.