Rotini Pasta with Beef (Printable Version)

Savory rotini pasta simmered with beef, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat

01 - 1 pound lean ground beef

→ Produce & Aromatics

02 - 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings & Spices

03 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 - 1 teaspoon sugar
05 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
06 - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
08 - Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Pepper, to taste (optional)

→ Canned & Packaged Goods

10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 3 cups beef broth
12 - 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

→ Pasta & Grains

13 - 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta

→ Dairy

14 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

→ Herbs

16 - Fresh basil (optional, for serving)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Place lean ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add tomato paste and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for approximately 1 minute to release their aromas.
03 - Stir in onion powder, sugar, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Combine thoroughly.
04 - Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
05 - Once boiling, add uncooked rotini pasta. Cook uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust heat to maintain a steady simmer, ensuring gentle bubbling without vigorous boiling.
06 - Turn off the heat but keep the pot on the burner. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and cover with a lid. Let rest for 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
07 - Gently toss the mixture to incorporate the mozzarella. Season with pepper and additional salt if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil if preferred.

# Additional Notes:

01 - To reduce sodium, adjust salt amounts and consider low-sodium beef broth.

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