This Irish Pasta combines hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, and vibrant peas in a savory tomato sauce, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The peas add a pop of color and a subtle sweetness, making this meal both visually appealing and delicious.
Ideal for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this one-pot wonder simplifies dinner preparation without compromising on flavor. Its rich taste and satisfying texture are sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a family favorite in no time.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 cups macaroni
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1½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
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1 onion, diced
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4 oz tomato sauce
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12 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic
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8 oz frozen peas
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2 tbsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp dried thyme
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1 tsp salt
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2 tsp black pepper
Directions:
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Boil the macaroni in water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
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Place the frozen peas in a bowl to thaw; set aside.
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In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown the ground beef.
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Drain excess fat from the meat and return it to the pan. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
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Reduce heat to low and stir in garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
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Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the pan. Toss to combine.
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Gently fold in the thawed peas and cook covered on low heat for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 416 kcal
Servings: 8 servings
A Hearty Fusion of Tradition and Comfort
Irish Pasta is one of those cozy, family-friendly meals that blends traditional Irish flavors with the ease of a one-pot American-style pasta dish. It’s a dish that doesn’t just fill your stomach—it warms your soul. While Ireland isn’t historically known for pasta, this recipe pays tribute to Irish home cooking by incorporating simple, wholesome ingredients like ground beef, peas, and comforting seasonings, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a rustic, satisfying meal.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It transforms humble pantry staples into a flavorful and fulfilling dinner that can be whipped up even on the busiest weeknight. What makes it even more appealing is how adaptable and budget-friendly it is. With just a few basic items, you’re able to create a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Why It’s Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a St. Patrick’s Day menu or simply craving a hearty dinner, Irish Pasta fits the bill. This dish is not limited to holiday fare—it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes part of your regular rotation. It’s quick enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and beloved enough by children to be a go-to favorite.
The ingredients are familiar and comforting. Ground beef brings a robust depth of flavor, while sweet green peas introduce a pop of freshness and vibrant color. A combination of tomato sauce and fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds a tangy richness that ties all the elements together. It’s a true one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze, which is always a plus in a busy kitchen.
Cultural Inspiration and Versatility
Irish cuisine is typically known for its use of meats, root vegetables, and dairy-based dishes. Think of hearty stews, shepherd’s pie, or colcannon. This pasta dish borrows from that ethos—robust, warming, and designed to satisfy. While pasta itself is more Italian in origin, incorporating it into Irish-style dishes represents a beautiful culinary fusion that modern home cooks increasingly enjoy.
What’s particularly great about Irish Pasta is how versatile it is. Don’t have macaroni? Swap it out for penne, rotini, or even egg noodles. Want to sneak in extra vegetables? Toss in some carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach. You can also replace ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based substitute to meet dietary needs. Even the seasoning can be tweaked to your taste—maybe you want to add a hint of paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami profile.
A One-Pot Time Saver
In the era of convenience, this meal ticks all the boxes. With just one pot, you minimize dishes and maximize flavor. Cooking everything together allows the ingredients to blend beautifully—no need for separate pots or complicated steps. From the moment you sauté your onions and beef, to the final stir of peas at the end, every bite builds on layers of savory flavor.
This dish is also perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and portion it out for the week. It reheats exceptionally well, and some would argue it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld. You can also freeze leftovers for up to a month, making it a lifesaver for busy families or solo cooks.
Kid-Friendly and Nutrient-Rich
Kids love pasta. Parents love healthy meals. Irish Pasta is a win-win. The ground beef provides protein, while the peas add a subtle sweetness and fiber. While it might not scream “health food,” it’s a balanced meal that delivers in terms of both nutrition and satisfaction. You can always opt for whole-wheat pasta or reduce the sodium content to make it even more health-conscious.
Because of its mild, homey flavors, it’s a great entry-level dish for picky eaters or kids transitioning into more varied meals. It’s soft, easy to chew, and not spicy, which is perfect for younger palates. Plus, the vibrant green peas can spark a conversation about vegetables at the dinner table, encouraging healthier eating habits.
Great for Hosting or Potlucks
Need something you can whip up for a group without spending hours in the kitchen? Irish Pasta is your best bet. It’s economical, filling, and universally appealing. Serve it up at a potluck, community event, or church supper and watch it disappear quickly. You can even top it with shredded cheese or breadcrumbs and bake it for a slightly different presentation that’s more like a casserole.
Add a crusty loaf of Irish soda bread and a side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s fit for guests or family alike. This dish can also be presented elegantly with some chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan to dress it up without much effort.
A Dish That Tells a Story
Every dish has a story, and Irish Pasta tells one of blending cultures and maximizing comfort. It might not be an “authentic” Irish dish in the traditional sense, but it honors the Irish culinary spirit: humble, hearty, and community-centered. It reflects the way recipes evolve over time—through migration, fusion, and creativity in the kitchen.
From its fire-roasted tomatoes to its simple seasoning of thyme and garlic, this dish has depth without being complicated. It’s a dish that invites conversation and invites you to make it your own. Whether you’re Irish by heritage or simply in spirit, cooking this meal can connect you to that sense of warmth, togetherness, and good eating that traditional Irish fare brings.
Conclusion
Irish Pasta is far more than just another weeknight dinner. It’s a flavorful, flexible, and fulfilling dish that you’ll want to make again and again. With its easy-to-find ingredients, one-pot convenience, and universal appeal, this recipe is a reliable solution to the eternal question: “What’s for dinner?”
It embodies comfort, creativity, and cultural fusion in a single pan. Whether you’re making it for your family, bringing it to a potluck, or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, Irish Pasta delivers big on taste and simplicity. Try it once, and you’ll likely add it to your recipe box permanently.
So go ahead—bring a little Irish inspiration into your kitchen tonight, and experience how something so simple can be so incredibly satisfying.