Festive Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Introduction

This comforting pasta dish combines rich, savory ground beef with a creamy tomato sauce for a satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s easy to prepare and delivers delicious, hearty flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz uncooked pasta
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes to slightly reduce and meld flavors.
5. Step 5: Mix in the heavy cream and cook for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta until well coated.
7. Step 7: Serve warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh herbal note.
• Try different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for variety.
• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Combine and reheat just before serving to maintain the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of butter for a similar creamy effect, though the sauce will be less rich.

Festive Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 131 reviews

A hearty and comforting pasta dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a creamy tomato and ground beef sauce, seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. This rich and flavorful meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic

Pasta and Dairy

• 8 oz uncooked pasta
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Pantry and Seasonings

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped sweet yellow onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 4 to 5 minutes to reduce slightly and blend the flavors.
5. Incorporate Cream: Mix in the heavy cream and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
6. Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute heavy cream with whipping cream or half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
• Feel free to add fresh basil or parsley as garnish for added color and freshness.
• To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: ground beef pasta, creamy tomato pasta, stovetop pasta dish, easy dinner recipe, comfort food pasta