This Ground Beef Pasta recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with tender pasta and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that delivers satisfying taste and texture with minimal effort. The dish melds savory meatiness with the familiar comfort of pasta, making it a family-friendly staple that’s both quick and delicious.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this ground beef pasta recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between simple and satisfying. The rich, savory flavor of the seasoned ground beef pairs beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce, creating a taste that’s both familiar and deeply comforting. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just one skillet for the meat sauce and a pot for the pasta, making cleanup effortless. Plus, it fits perfectly into busy weeknight routines without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. This recipe is versatile and customizable, fitting well into many lifestyles, whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a large skillet or sauté pan to brown the ground beef evenly, ensuring it develops a nice caramelized flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking beef; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
- Drain excess fat from the beef before adding the sauce to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Season the meat well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs to enhance flavor depth.
- Cooking pasta just shy of al dente allows it to finish cooking perfectly when combined with the sauce.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Stir in a splash of olive oil or a knob of butter at the end for a silky finish.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley added at the end can brighten the dish wonderfully.
Make Ahead Tips
- Brown the ground beef and prepare the tomato sauce up to 2 days in advance; store covered in the refrigerator.
- Cook the pasta al dente, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and refrigerate separately.
- When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stove and combine with warmed pasta.
- The meat sauce can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different protein profile.
- Use a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra spice and flavor.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added nutrition and texture.
- Substitute regular pasta with whole wheat, gluten-free, or vegetable-based noodles.
- For a creamy twist, stir in some heavy cream, mascarpone, or cream cheese to the sauce.
- Experiment with different herbs such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
- Turn it into a baked pasta casserole by mixing cooked pasta and sauce, topping with cheese, and baking until bubbly.
How to Serve
Serve this ground beef pasta hot, ideally straight from the skillet or pot. Plate individual portions in shallow bowls or on large plates. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for color and brightness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil over the top can add richness. Accompany with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side makes for a perfect, hearty dinner.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dish with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or Merlot to complement the savory meat and tomato flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or iced tea works well. Complementary sides include a Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Caprese salad. For dessert, something light like lemon sorbet or fresh berries provides a refreshing finish.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, place cooled pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving without stirring to ensure even heating.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan for browning meat and cooking sauce
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander to drain pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Cheese grater for garnishing (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board for chopping herbs or vegetables (optional)
Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for garnish.
- Dairy-free: Skip cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use olive oil instead of butter.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free; just ensure any added ingredients or garnishes comply.
- Low-carb/Keto: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
- Low-sodium: Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and reduce added salt, enhancing flavor with herbs and spices.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Summer: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes chopped or blended into the sauce instead of canned tomatoes for a brighter, fresher flavor.
- Fall/Winter: Opt for canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree for a rich, hearty sauce.
- Add seasonal vegetables such as summer zucchini or fall mushrooms to the sauce.
- Fresh herbs in season like basil or oregano can be added at the end for an aromatic lift.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well with this sauce.
Q: How long does it take to cook the ground beef?
A: Usually 7-10 minutes over medium-high heat until fully browned and no longer pink.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Q: What can I substitute for ground beef?
A: Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based meat alternatives are suitable substitutes.
Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
A: Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking and toss with a bit of olive oil after draining.
How To Make ground beef pasta recipe
Ground Beef Pasta
This Ground Beef Pasta recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with tender pasta and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10-15 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 548Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 112mgSodium 462mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 40g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This ground beef pasta recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its approachable ingredients and straightforward method, it’s accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The rich tomato sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta and savory beef creates a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. By following the tips and exploring variations, you can tailor this recipe to your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious, satisfying meal!
