Italian Beef Pasta Skillet with Tomato Sauce~

Italian Beef Pasta Skillet with Tomato Sauce 🍝🍅 — complete with cooking instructions, serving size, estimated nutrition, and optional WW-style points (based on general values).

🇮🇹 Italian Beef Pasta Skillet with Tomato Sauce

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 30 minutes

⏱️ Total Time: 40 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (90% lean)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

🔹 STEP 1: Cook the Beef

• In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

• Drain excess fat if needed.

🔹 STEP 2: Add Vegetables

• Stir in chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic.

• Cook 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

🔹 STEP 3: Combine Ingredients

• Add in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, dry elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

🔹 STEP 4: Cook Pasta

• Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

🔹 STEP 5: Garnish & Serve

• Remove from heat.

• Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a full meal. You can also top with a sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella cheese if desired.

📊 Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, Makes 4 Servings)

🟢 WW (Weight Watchers) Points Estimate

(Using WW Blue/Freestyle as a baseline — check your app for accuracy.)

• Ground beef (90% lean) – ~8 points (4 oz per serving)

• Olive oil (1 tbsp) – 4 points

• Elbow macaroni (½ cup dry per serving) – ~5–6 points

• Veggies, tomatoes, garlic, broth – 0 points
  Estimated Total: ~13–14 points per serving

Reduce points by:

• Using leaner beef (96%) or ground turkey

• Swapping pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta

• Using cooking spray instead of olive oil

💡 Tips & Variations:

• Spicy Kick? Add red pepper flakes or Italian sausage.

• Cheesy Version? Stir in shredded mozzarella or sprinkle Parmesan before serving.

• Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.