One Dish Beef and Parmesan Pasta with Zucchini

Since I don’t get home from work until 4:45 and we have two small kids who go to bed at 8, we have to squeeze in a lot in a very short amount of time each evening – cooking, dinner, family time, baths, story time, etc.  The best way for me to save time?  Making quick and easy meals.  And what’s even better than meals that are quick and easy?  Meals that are quick, easy, and only dirty one dish!  That makes for super easy clean up afterward so you have more precious time with your little ones. 

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serves 4 

Use It 

Medium to large saute pan 

Buy It 

1 lb. lean ground beef

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/2 of a 12 oz. box bow-tie pasta

1 can Italian diced tomatoes (I use Publix brand)

1 can beef broth (I use Publix brand)

Pinch of salt

1 zucchini, sliced thin

1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese 

Make It 

1.  In a medium to large saute pan, sprinkle garlic and oregano on raw beef and cook until brown.

2.  Add pasta, tomatoes, beef broth, and salt and stir well to coat the pasta.

3.  Simmer, uncovered, over medium high heat for 10-15 minutes or until pasta is tender.  Be sure to stir frequently as the pasta will stick to the bottom of the pan.

4.  Add zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.

5.  Stir in parmesan cheese until melted through

I like to serve this with garlic bread sticks (for everyone) and a glass of Merlot (for Mommy & Daddy).  It’s filling, it’s delicious, and all you have to clean afterward is one pan! 

*For a healthier option, I always use the leanest cut of beef, and I substitute white pasta for either whole wheat or veggie pasta.

I'd love to know what you think if you try it out!  Enjoy!  XO