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Beef and Pasta Skillet with Garlic and Thyme

weeknightone-pancomfort-food
10 minPrep20 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 1 poundground beef
  • 12 ouncespasta (short shapes like penne or rigatoni)
  • ·yellow onion
  • 4 clovesgarlic
  • 2½ cupsbeef broth
  • 2 tablespoonstomato paste
  • 1 teaspoonfresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • ·salt
  • ·black pepper

Prep

  1. 01

    Dice 1 medium yellow onion.

  2. 02

    Mince 4 cloves garlic.

Method

  1. 01

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

  2. 02

    Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 03

    Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

  4. 04

    Add pasta, beef broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 12–14 minutes until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

  5. 05

    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Spice Tips

For depth, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic. A pinch of smoked paprika in step 3 adds earthiness. Finish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for brightness and richness.

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