Pioneer Woman Wagon Wheel Pasta Recipe
Looking for a quick family dinner? The Pioneer Woman Wagon Wheel Pasta Recipe is perfect. This delicious pasta dish is super easy.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Big skillet or frying pan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound wagon wheel pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill your large pot with water first.
- Add a tablespoon of salt to it.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Add the wagon wheel pasta carefully now.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Drain the pasta in your colander well.
- Set it aside for later use.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat now.
- Add the ground beef to the pan.
- Break it apart with your wooden spoon.
- Cook until it turns completely brown inside.
- This takes about 6-7 minutes total.
- Drain any excess fat from the meat.
- Toss the chopped onion into the skillet.
- Cook it for 3 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic next and stir.
- Cook for just one more minute now.
- The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing here.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes at once.
- Add the tomato paste and stir well.
- Mix in the Italian seasoning right away.
- Season everything with salt and pepper generously.
- Let this simmer for 10 minutes total.
- The sauce will thicken up really nicely.
- Pour the heavy cream into your sauce.
- Stir everything together until well combined now.
- Add your cooked wagon wheel pasta here.
- Toss everything together until coated completely well.
- The pasta absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top now.
- Let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve this hot to your hungry family.
- Everyone will love this delicious meal tonight.
Notes
- Don't overcook your pasta at all here.
- It should be slightly firm when done.
- Salt your pasta water generously before cooking.
- This adds great flavor to the noodles.
- Use good quality ground beef for best results.
- Drain the fat properly to avoid greasiness.
- Let the sauce simmer long enough always.
- This develops deeper flavors in your dish.
- Fresh garlic tastes better than jarred versions here.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Grate fresh mozzarella instead of buying pre-shredded.
- Fresh basil makes a beautiful finishing touch.