“What can I make with 1 lb of ground beef to feed 5 people besides hamburger casserole?”
Here’s a detailed topic that answers that question with a practical, flavorful idea.
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One-Pot Ground Beef and Vegetable Pasta
Introduction (short)
If you have just 1 pound of ground beef and need to feed a family or group of five, this hearty one-pot beef and vegetable pasta is the perfect budget-friendly solution. It’s filling, flavorful, and uses common pantry ingredients — all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup.
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Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
3 cups beef broth or water
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for richer flavor)
1 cup shredded cheese (optional for topping)
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Instructions
Brown the beef:
In a large pot or deep skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add aromatics:
Stir in onion and garlic, and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Build the base:
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
Add pasta and liquid:
Pour in beef broth and add the dry pasta. Stir to combine, making sure pasta is covered with liquid.
Simmer:
Cover and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
Add vegetables:
Stir in the frozen vegetables and cook another 3–5 minutes until heated through.
Finish:
Sprinkle cheese on top if desired, cover for 2 minutes to melt, and serve hot.
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How to Make
Everything is cooked in one pot — start by browning the beef, then add the seasonings, liquids, and pasta. This method blends all the flavors beautifully and stretches one pound of beef to feed everyone generously.
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Variations
Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and top with cheddar and cilantro.
Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with diced zucchini or cauliflower rice.
Rice Swap: Use cooked rice instead of pasta for a beef and rice skillet meal.
Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick.
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Tips
To stretch the meal further, add extra veggies or a can of beans.
Use any pasta shape available — it all works.
Add shredded cheese only after turning off the heat for the creamiest texture.
Leftovers reheat perfectly for next-day lunches.
Serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Conclusion (short)
With just 1 pound of ground beef, this one-pot pasta turns into a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s flavorful, filling, and budget-conscious. It’s proof that you don’t need a casserole to create comfort food everyone will love!
Would you like me to make a rice-based version (like a beef and vegetable skillet rice) next?