Description
Craving a quick dinner that’s hearty, creamy, and irresistibly satisfying? This Ground Beef Pasta is a flavor-packed, one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with rigatoni, savory beef, and a rich tomato cream sauce, it’s the kind of easy recipe that turns into a go-to favorite. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, comfort food, or a new twist on pasta night, this dish checks every box—plus it reheats like a dream for leftovers!
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni
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)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ cup beef broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon sugar
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Extra parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until just shy of al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the ground beef. Break it up as it browns, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes more.
7. Garnish with parsley and more parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Use lean ground beef to avoid greasy sauce.
Add reserved pasta water gradually—it helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
For extra richness, top with mozzarella or pecorino before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1½ cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Ground beef pasta, creamy beef pasta, easy dinner, one pot pasta, comfort food