Easy Mince And Pasta – Okay, picture this: it’s Tuesday night, you’re staring at the fridge, and it feels like it’s judging you for not meal-prepping on Sunday. Sound familiar? That’s exactly how this Easy Mince And Pasta recipe came into my life. It was one of those “let’s throw whatever we have into a pan and hope for the best” situations. And you know what? It worked.
I remember my husband walking into the kitchen, sniffing the air, and asking, “What smells so good?” Honestly, I wasn’t sure yet—it was just some mince, garlic, and pasta bubbling away. But by the time we sat down, I knew I had stumbled onto something magical. It was simple, hearty, and hit all the comfort food notes without needing a zillion ingredients.
Now, this dish has become a midweek staple in our house. It’s reliable, easy to tweak, and somehow always tastes like you put way more effort into it than you actually did. Plus, it’s all cooked in one pan, which means fewer dishes. And let’s be real—less washing up is always a win.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Mince And Pasta Recipe?
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan, one happy you. No mountain of dishes here!
- Fast and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, because who has time for anything longer midweek?
- Customizable: You can add veggies, switch up the protein, or crank up the spice.
- Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist cheesy pasta goodness.
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe keeps it simple, but each ingredient does some heavy lifting. Here’s the breakdown:
- Beef Mince: It’s the foundation of this dish. Go for lean mince if you want to keep it lighter, but regular mince adds a little extra flavor.
- Onion: The unsung hero of most recipes. It adds sweetness and depth—don’t skip it.
- Baby Spinach: Totally optional, but I like sneaking in some greens. Pro tip: they’ll wilt so much no one even notices them.
- Garlic: Is it even a proper recipe without garlic? (Answer: no.)
- Italian Herbs: A pinch of dried oregano, basil, and thyme goes a long way to give this dish that classic Italian vibe.
- Chili Flakes: Optional, but they add a little excitement if you’re in the mood for a kick.
- Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: These are the building blocks of your sauce—rich, tangy, and comforting.
- Beef Stock and Milk: This combo makes the sauce flavorful and creamy.
- Pasta: Any short pasta works here—penne, fusilli, even macaroni if that’s what you’ve got.
- Cheese: The melty, gooey topping that takes this dish from good to amazing.
Pro Tip: If you’re adding spinach, stir it in early so it has time to wilt down into the sauce.
How To Make Easy Mince And Pasta?
This dish is all about keeping things stress-free. If you can stir a spoon, you’ve got this!
- Brown the Mince:
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the mince and break it up as it cooks. You’re aiming for those lovely browned bits that add so much flavor. - Cook the Veggies:
Toss in the diced onion and spinach (if you’re using it). Let them soften for a few minutes. The spinach will wilt down and practically disappear—it’s like a sneaky little veggie ninja. - Add the Sauce Ingredients:
Stir in the garlic, Italian herbs, chili flakes, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes. Mix it all together until it smells like a cozy Italian restaurant in your kitchen. - Add Liquid and Pasta:
Pour in the beef stock, milk, and pasta. Give everything a good stir, then bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer. Stir every few minutes to make sure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. - Melt the Cheese:
When the pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce is thickened, scatter the grated cheese over the top. Let it melt into gooey perfection—this is where the magic happens. - Serve Hot:
Dish it up while it’s still warm and cheesy. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty garlic bread if you’re feeling fancy.
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of stock or water to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Freezing isn’t ideal because the pasta can get mushy, but let’s be real—this dish rarely lasts long enough to freeze.
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Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is a blank canvas, so feel free to get creative:
- Switch the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based mince all work beautifully.
- Add Veggies: Zucchini, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers are great additions.
- Cheese Choices: Try mozzarella for gooeyness or Parmesan for a sharper edge.
- Spice It Up: Add extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Pasta Swaps: Penne, rotini, or shells all work—use whatever’s in your pantry.
What to Serve with Easy Mince And Pasta?
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs is always a good idea.
- Green Salad: A crisp, tangy salad balances out the richness.
- Roasted Veggies: Think roasted zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for a little extra nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne, macaroni, or rotini works perfectly.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use lean mince, add extra veggies, and swap the milk for a lighter option like unsweetened almond milk.
This Easy Mince And Pasta is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen genius with minimal effort. It’s quick, comforting, and endlessly customizable. I’d love to hear how you make it your own—got a secret twist or favorite side? Let me know!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Mince And Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 500 grams beef mince 17 ounces
- 1 onion finely diced
- 1 handful baby spinach optional
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes 14 ounces
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups short pasta e.g., penne, fusilli
- ½ cup grated cheese
Instructions
Heat the Oil and Brown the Mince:
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Add Aromatics and Spinach:
- Stir in the diced onion and baby spinach. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion softens and the spinach wilts.
Incorporate Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients:
- Add the crushed garlic, Italian herbs, chili flakes (if using), tomato paste, and canned crushed tomatoes. Mix well to combine and evenly coat the mince.
Add Liquid and Pasta:
- Pour in the beef stock, milk, and pasta. Stir thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is cooked al dente.
Add Cheese and Finish:
- Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top. Allow it to melt before serving.
Serve:
- Dish up your Easy Mince And Pasta while hot, pairing it with a crisp salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
