Savory One-Pot Spicy Hamburger Pasta
Satisfy your cravings with this deliciously simple homemade Hamburger Helper. Packed with lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of spices, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Customize the heat to your liking by adding a chipotle or jalapeño pepper! This hearty and comforting dish brings together the richness of tomatoes and the delightful texture of pasta, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Best of all, it's easy to make and cleanup is a breeze!
10
Servings
320
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
2 lbs (browned)
onion
1 (diced)
garlic cloves
2-3 (minced)
green pepper
1 (diced)
oregano
2 teaspoons (dried)
basil
2 teaspoons (dried)
beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoons (granulated)
canned tomatoes
2 (19 ounce) cans (broken up)
tomato soup
1 (10 ounce) can (none)
water
4 cups (none)
uncooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)
4 cups (none)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or deep skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green pepper to the pot, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Drain off any excess fat.
2
Stir in the oregano, basil, beef bouillon granules, broken tomatoes, tomato soup, and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
3
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked pasta and stir again.
4
Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure all pasta is cooked evenly.
5
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
29g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory One-Pot Spicy Hamburger Pasta?
It is a homemade, one-pot version of Hamburger Helper featuring lean ground beef, pasta, vegetables, and a savory tomato-based sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What type of meat should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean ground beef, though you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add a diced chipotle pepper or jalape%o pepper during the vegetable sautéing step.
What types of pasta are recommended?
Penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni are the best choices for this dish.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the pot?
No, the pasta is added uncooked and simmers directly in the sauce.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 18 grams of protein per serving.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes onion, garlic, green pepper, and canned tomatoes.
How long does the pasta need to simmer?
The pasta should simmer for about 20 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, added at the very end.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is a one-pot meal designed for easy preparation and quick cleanup.
What spices provide the flavor in this dish?
Dried oregano, dried basil, and beef bouillon granules are the primary seasonings.
How much water is required for the sauce?
You will need 4 cups of water to cook the pasta and form the sauce.
What size cans of tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires two 19-ounce cans of canned tomatoes.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, you should drain off any excess fat.
Can I substitute the green pepper?
Yes, you can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor profile.
What type of tomato soup is required?
One 10-ounce can of standard condensed tomato soup is used.
How much fat is in a single serving?
Each serving contains 18 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 29 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use bouillon cubes instead of granules?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of granules with the equivalent amount of crushed bouillon cubes.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot?
Stir the mixture occasionally during the 20-minute simmering period.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it makes 10 servings and stays hearty, it is excellent for leftovers and meal prep.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely; mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini would make great additions to the sauté.
What should I serve with this hamburger pasta?
A side salad or garlic bread complements the savory flavors well.
Is this dish very spicy as written?
As written, it is savory with mild spice; the heat level depends on your choice of added peppers.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze it, though the pasta may become softer upon reheating.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your bouillon and tomato soup are certified gluten-free.
How many garlic cloves are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves.