✔ 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
✔ 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Beef & Vegetables:
✔ 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced steak)
✔ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔ ½ onion, finely chopped
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 small zucchini, diced
✔ 1 red bell pepper, diced
✔ 1 carrot, julienned or shredded
✔ ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
✔ 1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional, for extra greens)
For the Sauce:
✔ 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
✔ 1 tbsp tomato paste
✔ 1 tsp dried basil
✔ 1 tsp dried oregano
✔ ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
✔ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
✔ Salt & black pepper to taste
✔ ½ cup beef broth or pasta water (to thin the sauce)
✔ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
