Home Economics Class Pasta with Beef Strips
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 19 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Category: Steak
Servings: 4
Calories: 515 per serving
This nostalgic recipe, passed down from my Junior High Home Economics class, is one of those timeless dishes that have withstood the test of time. I can’t help but smile thinking about how my mom has held onto the original recipe sheet for years, and I’m so grateful she did. We still enjoy this quick and easy dish, which is perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with family. Originally made with Penne pasta, we’ve found it works wonderfully with a variety of pasta shapes, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef strips (for stir fry) | 500 grams |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Fresh mushrooms (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Green pepper (chopped) | 1 |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Canned tomatoes | 1 can (300-400 grams) |
| Tomato sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Black pepper (to taste) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pasta (any shape) | 300-400 grams |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 515 kcal |
| Fat | 9.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 71.3 mg |
| Sodium | 77.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 64.7 g |
| Fiber | 4.8 g |
| Sugar | 5.9 g |
| Protein | 41 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat up a little oil over high heat. Add the beef strips and stir fry for about 2 minutes, ensuring they’re browned and slightly crisp on the edges. This quick cooking method keeps the beef tender yet flavorful. -
Add the Aromatics and Spices:
Once the beef is cooked through, add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and all your dried spices (basil, thyme, oregano). Stir and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. The beef should no longer be pink, and the vegetables will start to soften and release their fragrances. -
Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
Pour in the canned tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. The tomatoes will cook down into a rich, flavorful sauce. Stir occasionally, making sure the beef and vegetables stay evenly distributed in the sauce. -
Add the Vegetables:
After the sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, toss in the sliced mushrooms and chopped green pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. You want the mushrooms to soften without losing their texture, and the green pepper should stay slightly crunchy. -
Cook the Pasta:
While the beef and vegetables are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water if you prefer a slightly looser sauce. -
Assemble and Serve:
Serve the beef and vegetable mixture over the cooked pasta. If you like, top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor. You can also garnish with a few extra fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aroma.
Tips for Success:
- Pasta Variations: This dish is versatile, so don’t feel limited to Penne pasta. Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle are all great alternatives. Choose your favorite shape or whatever you have in the pantry.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to load this recipe with more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or even eggplant to boost its nutrition.
- Beef Substitutes: If you prefer, you can substitute the beef strips with chicken breast or turkey breast for a lighter version of the dish.
- Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This will add a bit of zing and extra flavor depth.
This quick and easy meal is not just a throwback to school days—it’s a satisfying and hearty dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table. The combination of beef, vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce over pasta makes for a balanced, flavorful meal that can be prepared in just under 30 minutes. It’s a dish that’s perfect for busy evenings or when you’re craving something comforting and filling. Enjoy!
