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Lighter Sun-Dried Tomato Ground Beef Pasta Skillet: Easy 30-Minute Meal

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A lighter, healthier version of a classic Italian-inspired pasta skillet, featuring ground beef, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Greek yogurt sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 lean)
  • ½ cup (80g) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (reserve 1 tbsp oil)
  • 8 oz (225g) short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ⅓ cup (80g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
  • ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
  • ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside (do not rinse).
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let brown undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Transfer beef to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Stir in tomato paste and dried oregano. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  7. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1 minute.
  8. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any remaining browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt and ¼ cup of reserved pasta water until smooth.
  10. Reduce heat to low. Stir in yogurt mixture. Add remaining ¼ cup pasta water if sauce seems too thick. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  11. Return browned beef to the pan. Add cooked pasta and toss until well coated. Add more pasta water if needed.
  12. Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  13. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps emulsify the sauce. Brown the beef properly for maximum flavor. Temper the yogurt with warm pasta water to prevent curdling. Cook pasta al dente as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: sun-dried tomato pasta, ground beef pasta, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner, healthy pasta, one-skillet meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/lighter-sun-dried-tomato-ground-beef-pasta-skillet-easy-30-minute-meal/