Ground Beef Pasta

Nothing beats the rich, hearty satisfaction of a warm plate of Ground Beef Pasta. This dish blends tender pasta with savory ground beef and a creamy, tomato-based sauce, delivering a weeknight dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone rushing to the table—kids, adults, picky eaters included.

Whether you’re craving something cozy after a long day or need a reliable crowd-pleaser for a casual dinner party, Ground Beef Pasta is a no-fuss recipe that never disappoints. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling skillet of cheesy, meaty comfort ready to serve. From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, it fits right into your dinner rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Pasta

• One-pan magic: Less mess, less stress—everything cooks in one pan.
• Comfort food at its finest: Creamy, cheesy, and meaty—everything you want in a classic pasta dish.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
• Kid-approved: Mild, savory flavors make it a family favorite.
• Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
• Flexible: You can swap pasta types, add veggies, or spice it up as you like.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Ground Beef Pasta

Having the right setup can make the cooking process faster and smoother. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each tool matters for this Ground Beef Pasta.

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is where the entire dish comes together. A deep, non-stick skillet allows for even cooking and space to mix everything without spilling.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the sauce and pasta without damaging your pan.
• Medium Pot (for boiling pasta): While you can cook the pasta separately, using a second pot ensures the pasta is perfectly al dente before adding to the skillet.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta. Choose one with sturdy handles for safety.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters for seasoning and achieving the right sauce consistency.
• Cheese Grater (optional): If you’re using fresh parmesan or pecorino, grating it yourself adds a rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Each of these tools contributes to ease, efficiency, and making sure your pasta turns out saucy, not soupy; rich, not greasy.

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Preparation Tips

• Prep Ahead: Dice your onions, mince garlic, and shred cheese before turning on the heat. Once things start cooking, this dish moves quickly.
• Use Lean Ground Beef (85-90%): This prevents your sauce from being overly greasy while keeping it flavorful.
• Salt Your Pasta Water: It’s the only chance to season the pasta itself. A generous pinch goes a long way.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: You want it just under al dente so it finishes cooking in the sauce and soaks up all the flavor.
• Drain Excess Grease: After browning the beef, drain any excess fat before adding tomatoes or cream to avoid a heavy texture.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water: A splash can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick while mixing.

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Ingredients for This Ground Beef Pasta

Here’s everything you need to make this comforting, flavorful pasta dish. The ingredients are simple but come together to create a creamy, savory meal that tastes like it simmered for hours.

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz rigatoni (or penne, ziti, or your favorite short pasta)
• Salt (for seasoning pasta water)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (85–90% lean)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth (or water)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra parmesan for serving

These pantry-friendly ingredients come together to make a bold, flavorful pasta that feels far more indulgent than the effort it takes to make it.

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Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions). Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until browned and no longer pink—about 5–7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if needed.

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Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and sugar. Stir well to combine, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

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Step 5: Make It Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 6: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up all that rich, meaty flavor.

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Step 7: Serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with more parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side.

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Notes

• Use High-Quality Pasta: A good-quality rigatoni or penne holds the sauce better and gives the dish a satisfying bite.
• Adjust the Cream to Taste: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the cream slightly or substitute with half-and-half.
• Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to stir in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Pasta: Boiling it until fully done before adding to the sauce can result in mushy pasta. Always undercook slightly—let it finish in the sauce.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water adds starch and helps the sauce stick better. Don’t toss it!
• Not Draining the Beef: Leaving all the grease in the pan can make your sauce oily and heavy. Drain excess fat after browning.
• Using Too Much Salt Early On: Wait until after adding parmesan and broth before adjusting salt—both are salty on their own.
• Rushing the Sauce: Letting the sauce simmer—even briefly—blends the flavors and gives it a homemade taste. Don’t skip it.
• Adding Cold Cream Straight to Sauce: Warm it slightly or add it gradually while stirring to prevent curdling.
• Overloading with Cheese Too Early: Stir cheese in at the end to avoid clumping or gritty texture.
• Undermixing the Pasta and Sauce: Make sure the pasta is well-coated and given time to simmer briefly in the sauce so the flavors combine.

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What to Serve With Ground Beef Pasta?

This creamy, hearty dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that balance out the richness. Whether you’re putting together a cozy family meal or serving guests, these additions round out the plate and add freshness, crunch, or extra comfort.

8 Recommendations:

1. Garlic Bread: The classic companion. Crunchy on the outside, soft inside—perfect for scooping up every drop of sauce.
2. Simple Green Salad: A crisp mix of lettuce, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
3. Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Adds color and a healthy, crunchy bite to the meal.
4. Caesar Salad: Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor—great contrast to the pasta.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with balsamic glaze—simple and elegant.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers roasted with olive oil and herbs offer a rustic side.
7. Antipasto Platter: Olives, pickled veggies, prosciutto, and marinated artichokes make a great starter or complement.
8. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Oven-roasted until caramelized—slightly bitter and sweet, they cut through the creamy sauce nicely.

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Storage Instructions

Ground Beef Pasta stores incredibly well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth, cream, or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between intervals.
• Tip: If freezing, slightly undercook the pasta to avoid mushiness when reheated.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings total)

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Serving Size: ~1½ cups
• Diet: Contains dairy and gluten

These values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used, especially with substitutions like different pasta or reduced-fat cream.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. Just be sure to season generously since turkey has a milder flavor.

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2. What pasta shapes work best for this dish?

Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti are ideal. They hold the sauce well and mix easily with the beef.

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3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare everything, let it cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving. You may need a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

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4. Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes—replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream, and use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely.

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5. What if I don’t have tomato paste?

You can skip it, but tomato paste adds depth and richness. If omitted, simmer the sauce a few minutes longer to thicken naturally.

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6. How can I make it spicy?

Add more red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of calabrian chili paste or hot sauce during cooking for an extra kick.

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7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles well—just be sure to use a large skillet or Dutch oven to hold everything comfortably.

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8. What’s the best cheese to use besides parmesan?

Try pecorino romano for a sharper flavor, or add some mozzarella for extra creaminess and melt factor.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to throw together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something soul-satisfying, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The beauty lies in its versatility: switch up the meat, add veggies, or keep it classic—it’s hard to go wrong.

With just one pan, a few staple ingredients, and about 40 minutes of your time, you’ll have a satisfying pasta dinner that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian kitchen. Make it once, and you’ll want it on your weekly rotation.

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