When you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and easy to whip up, ground beef pasta recipes are a lifesaver.
With just 15 minutes of prep and about 25 minutes of cooking, you can have a rich, comforting dinner that feels like home.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week, this dish combines juicy beef, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce for the ultimate one-pan comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples.
- Family-approved: Kids and adults will love it.
- Customizable: Switch up pasta shapes, sauces, and add-ins.
- Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb ground beef (can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, spaghetti, or your favorite shape)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (or marinara sauce)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for a sharper flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Substitutions:
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Add heavy cream for a creamy version.
- Swap mozzarella for Parmesan or feta.
How to Make Ground Beef Pasta Recipes
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened.
- Build the sauce: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring until coated in sauce.
- Cheesy finish: Sprinkle with mozzarella, cover, and let cheese melt.
- Serve hot: Garnish with parsley or basil and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Healthier twist: Use whole-wheat pasta and lean ground turkey.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Veggie boost: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Avoid mushy pasta: Cook pasta al dente and don’t over-simmer.
What to Serve It With
- Garlic bread for dipping into the sauce 🥖
- Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette 🥗
- Roasted veggies like zucchini or broccoli
- Caesar salad for a creamy pairing
- A glass of red wine for a restaurant-style dinner 🍷
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or in the microwave.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 16g
Printable Recipe Card
Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Easy One-Pot Dinner
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Salt, pepper, olive oil, parsley
Instructions:
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
- Brown beef in a skillet, drain fat.
- Add onion & garlic, cook until soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, tomatoes, broth, and seasoning. Simmer 10 min.
- Add pasta, toss in sauce.
- Sprinkle cheese, cover until melted.
- Garnish & serve hot.
FAQs About Ground Beef Pasta Recipes
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and is great for meal prep.
2. What’s the best pasta for ground beef pasta recipes?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best since they hold the sauce well.
3. Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! Just skip the tomato paste and broth if using marinara.
4. How can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, lean meat, and add extra veggies.
5. Can I make it in one pot?
Yes! Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth—less cleanup!
Conclusion
Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, ground beef pasta recipes are the ultimate comfort food.
Simple, flavorful, and customizable, this dish will quickly become a regular on your dinner menu.
Michael Brown is a passionate food lover who creates simple, flavorful recipes for everyday cooking. He focuses on easy-to-follow meals that bring comfort and joy to the table. With his creative twists, Michael helps home cooks make delicious dishes with confidence.
