A quick weeknight pasta with seasoned ground beef and tomato sauce, built entirely from what the shelf holds and the staples you have. This is comfort food that comes together in half an hour, built on beef as the centerpiece.

Serves 2. 30 minutes, 25 at the stove.

About 1080 calories a serving, 58 g protein, 94 g carbohydrate, 51 g fat. From USDA figures for 100% of the ingredients; amounts are the recipe's.

Cook mode

1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon as it browns, about 5 minutes. Pour off excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon, and season with salt and pepper.5 min
2. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 small diced onion to the beef, stir constantly until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes. Start cooking the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions while the onion cooks.3 min
3. Pour 1 can crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir to combine with the beef. Bring to a simmer, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and the pasta is done, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the sauce, stirring to coat.8 min

Note Swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork if you prefer. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for three days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water if needed. Serve with grated cheese and a simple green salad to round out the meal.