This quick and comforting pasta dish brings together the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and a vibrant pesto sauce for a meal that feels both hearty and elevated.
Inspired by a restaurant favorite, this simplified version delivers bold taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
The creamy addition of sour cream balances the savory beef and tangy pesto, creating a smooth, luscious coating for every bite of pasta.
Whether you’re cooking for family or need a reliable go-to dinner, this dish is incredibly versatile and easy to customize based on your flavor preferences.
It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in just one pan after the pasta is cooked.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato pesto
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Directions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns, until fully cooked and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir the sun-dried tomato pesto and sour cream into the cooked beef. Mix until fully combined and heated through.
- Add the drained macaroni to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated and warmed through.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Chefs Notes
- Red pesto made with roasted tomatoes adds a deeper, slightly smoky flavor that works especially well in this dish.
- Adjust the amount of pesto to your taste preference—add more for a stronger flavor or less for a milder dish.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra richness, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.