The Tasty Beef and Artichoke Pasta is more than just another pasta dish—it’s a comforting, fulfilling recipe that brings together rich, savory flavors with a touch of Mediterranean flair. This dish blends the hearty essence of ground beef with the delicate, slightly nutty taste of artichoke hearts, all nestled in perfectly cooked farfalle pasta and generously topped with melted mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan. The result is a warm, bubbling casserole-style meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
The story of this dish begins with the inspiration to combine wholesome, readily available ingredients in a way that delivers flavor and texture without overly complex steps or exotic components. Pasta is often a go-to comfort meal in many households, but this version elevates it by adding nutritional and gourmet appeal. Artichokes, for example, are known for their health benefits—being high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins—and they add a unique flavor profile that differentiates this dish from traditional beef-based pasta recipes like Bolognese or lasagna.
Using ground beef as the protein of choice makes the dish hearty and keeps it accessible and budget-friendly. Whether you’re using lean beef or a slightly fattier blend, the browning process allows for deep flavor development, especially when paired with aromatic Italian herbs such as thyme, oregano, and basil. These herbs not only enhance the flavor but also infuse the dish with the comforting familiarity of Italian cookery.
The sauce for the dish is quite simple—a mixture of fresh tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste, and herbs. This light, mildly tangy tomato base is ideal for coating the pasta without being too heavy or overpowering. Because the tomatoes and sauce elements aren’t overly seasoned with salt, you can easily control the sodium level, making this a more heart-conscious dish for those watching their intake.
What truly sets this beef and artichoke pasta apart, however, is the finishing touch—the bake. Once everything is combined, the pasta is transferred into a prepared casserole dish, layered with shredded part-skim mozzarella for that gooey, satisfying cheese pull we all love. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (used both inside the dish and to coat the casserole for extra texture) adds that final savory bite and forms a deliciously golden crust during baking.
This baked pasta is versatile enough to serve for a cozy family dinner, yet it’s elevated enough for entertaining. Guests are always pleasantly surprised by the presence of artichokes, which add an unexpected elegance and complexity. It also holds up well for leftovers, making it a wonderful make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Ultimately, this Tasty Beef and Artichoke Pasta dish is about balance—richness with lightness, familiarity with a twist, and indulgence with nutrition. It’s a celebration of comfort food with a fresh approach, and something you’ll likely find yourself coming back to again and again.
Tasty Beef and Artichoke Pasta
Ingredients
3 sprays olive oil- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese - grated
- 4 ounces farfalle pasta
- 12 ounces ground beef (minced beef)
- 8 medium tomatoes - no-salt-added, sliced crosswise into quarters
- 8 small artichoke hearts
- 1 ½ teaspoon mixed herbs (usually Thyme, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Basil) - Italian
- ½ cup tomato juice - no-salt-added
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste - mixed with 1/4 cup of water
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese - part-skim milk, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cook your pasta according to the package directions for al dente, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain well.
- Brown the beef and stir in the tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Italian herbs, tomato juice, and tomato paste-water mixture.
- Add the drained pasta and mix gently.
- Place in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle evenly with the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the pasta in the oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly hot.
