Ditalini Recipes With Ground Beef

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Weeknight dinners can often feel like a daunting task. Staring into the refrigerator, the question looms: what can I make that’s quick, satisfying, and won’t leave me with a mountain of dishes? If you’re tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs routine, it’s time to discover the delightful versatility of ditalini pasta paired with the hearty flavor of ground beef. This combination is a winning formula for delicious and comforting meals that the whole family will love.

Ditalini, with its small, thimble-like shape, might be less common than its long and stringy cousins, but its unique form factor offers a fantastic textural element to pasta dishes. When combined with the savory richness of ground beef, ditalini becomes a canvas for endless culinary possibilities. This article will explore a variety of easy-to-make ditalini recipes featuring ground beef, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family gatherings. Get ready to elevate your pasta game!

Why Ditalini and Ground Beef are a Perfect Match

Ditalini’s small size makes it an ideal partner for ground beef. The bite-sized pasta distributes the savory flavor of the meat evenly throughout each mouthful, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Its shape is also fantastic at capturing sauces and meat juices, ensuring that every bite is bursting with deliciousness. Ground beef, readily available and relatively affordable, provides a rich and satisfying protein base. Whether you’re craving classic Italian flavors, a spicy kick, or a comforting baked dish, ditalini and ground beef can deliver.

Classic Italian Ditalini with Ground Beef Ragu

This is a timeless recipe that embodies the essence of Italian comfort food. A rich and flavorful ragu, simmered to perfection, blankets perfectly cooked ditalini for a truly satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ditalini pasta
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
See also  Barilla Mac And Cheese Recipe

Instructions

Follow these simple instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. While the ragu is simmering, cook ditalini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  6. Add cooked ditalini to the pot with the ragu and toss to coat. Add a little pasta water if needed to create a saucier consistency.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

Try these variations to customize the dish:

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
  • Add a splash of dry red wine to the ragu for extra depth of flavor.
  • Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness.

Cheesy Baked Ditalini with Ground Beef

Nothing says comfort like a cheesy baked pasta dish. This recipe combines the savory flavor of ground beef with a creamy ricotta filling and a generous topping of melted mozzarella for a truly decadent meal.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ditalini pasta
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 24 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Here are the instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook ditalini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  7. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce.
  8. Top with half of the cooked ditalini, then spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
  9. Top with the remaining ditalini and the remaining meat sauce.
  10. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
See also  Barilla Mac And Cheese Recipe

Tips & Variations

Here are some tips and variations:

  • Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture.
  • Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique flavor.
  • Assemble the dish ahead of time and bake later for a convenient meal.

Spicy Ditalini with Ground Beef and Beans

If you’re looking for a dish with a kick, this spicy ditalini recipe is sure to satisfy. Ground beef is combined with beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of chili spices for a zesty and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients that you will need:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ditalini pasta
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving

Instructions

Follow these instructions:

  1. Cook ditalini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeno (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in kidney beans and black beans. Heat through.
  7. Add cooked ditalini to the skillet and toss to coat.
  8. Serve immediately, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Tips & Variations

Try these tips:

  • Adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of chili powder and jalapeno.
  • Add corn for sweetness.
  • Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch.

One-Pot Ditalini with Ground Beef and Vegetables

For ultimate convenience, try this one-pot ditalini recipe. Ground beef, vegetables, and pasta are cooked together in a single pot for a quick and easy meal with minimal cleanup. This makes great ditalini recipes with ground beef a breeze.

See also  Barilla Mac And Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ditalini pasta
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Here are the instructions to follow:

  1. Brown ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add bell pepper and zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in corn, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then add ditalini pasta.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

Check out these tips:

  • Use any vegetables you have on hand.
  • Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for extra protein.
  • Adjust the amount of broth as needed to prevent sticking.

Tips for Cooking with Ditalini

To ensure perfectly cooked ditalini every time, keep these tips in mind:

  • Don’t Overcook: Ditalini cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it. Aim for al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. The pasta should be firm but not crunchy.
  • Salt the Water: Generously salt the pasta water. This seasons the pasta from the inside out and enhances its flavor.
  • Save Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to help it cling to the pasta.
  • Seasoning: Season each layer of the dish as you prepare it. This ensures that all of the flavors are well-balanced.

Conclusion

From classic Italian ragu to spicy Southwestern-inspired dishes, ditalini and ground beef offer a world of culinary possibilities. These easy-to-make recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family gatherings. With its unique shape and ability to capture flavors, ditalini is a versatile pasta that deserves a place in your pantry. This combination unlocks countless ditalini recipes with ground beef that are sure to be a hit!

We hope you enjoy these ditalini recipes with ground beef! Try them out and let us know which one is your favorite. Share your own ditalini and ground beef creations with us too! These ditalini recipes with ground beef will be a staple for weeknight dinner.