When life gets busy — and let’s face it, when isn’t it? — dinner can feel like one more thing to juggle. But a quick, balanced and comforting meal is possible, thanks to this one-pot skillet pasta.
Inspired by family favorites and packed with better-for-you ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe from April Hamilton, RN, BSN, pediatric gastrointestinal and healthy weight nutrition nurse with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health.
Hamilton knows the power of a home-cooked meal, especially one that’s fast, filling, and full of hidden veggies. “This dish brings comfort food to the table without sacrificing nutrition,” she shares.
A Simple Recipe with Big Benefits
This skillet pasta is loaded with protein, fiber and veggies — without the fuss. Plus, everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for those nights when family members are coming and going at different times, since it reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
- 2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 10 ounces large white mushrooms, halved
- 1 large onion, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 pound 90%-lean ground beef
- 2 TBS tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- 3 3/4 cups unsalted beef broth, divided
- 8 ounces whole-wheat elbow noodles
- 2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
- 2 TBS all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Here’s how to make it:
- Brown: Start by cooking lean ground beef and tomato paste in a large skillet or pot.
- Blend: In a food processor, pulse garlic, onion, carrots and mushrooms until finely chopped. Add the veggie mix to the beef, seasoning with thyme, salt and pepper.
- Simmer: Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce and whole wheat elbow pasta. Let it simmer until the pasta is tender — about 10 minutes.
- Finish: Mix in a slurry of flour and water for thickness, then stir in sour cream (or get a protein boost with plain Greek yogurt). Top with fresh parsley for a bright, flavorful finish.
Serve with a green salad on the side for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Why This Recipe Works for Families
Hamilton loves this recipe designed with busy families in mind. It’s packed with vegetables — blended so seamlessly even picky eaters won’t notice — and the whole wheat pasta provides extra fiber to keep everyone fuller longer. The beef broth adds rich flavor while giving a boost of nutrients like glycine, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Whether you’re feeding everyone at once or warming up leftovers after soccer practice, this skillet pasta delivers cozy, home-cooked comfort.
“It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl,” Hamilton says. “It’s fast, it’s healthy, and it brings everyone together — even if they’re coming home one by one.”
