Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Easy Dinner

Ground Beef Pasta

Savory ground beef, tomato, and cozy spices tossed with al dente pasta and plenty of melted cheese comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a weeknight.

The moment this Ground Beef Pasta hits the table, the kitchen fills with the aroma of gently browned beef, fragrant garlic, and rich tomato, while the pasta cooks to a perfect tender bite.

I love making this on busy weeknights or when I need an easy dinner that still feels special, because it comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and stretches to feed a crowd.

There is something deeply satisfying about twirling hearty noodles around a fork, and I always end up going back for one more generous helping.

Recipe at a Glance

⏱Prep Time15 mins

🔥Cook Time25 mins

🕐Total Time40 mins

🍰Servings4 servings

🇺🇸CuisineAmerican

🔢Calories~550 per serving

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

8 oz pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Substitutions & Variations

★Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.

★Swap crushed tomatoes for marinara or tomato soup for a different texture.

★Replace basil and oregano with Italian seasoning or dried thyme.

★Use gluten free pasta for a gluten free version.

★Add mushrooms or bell peppers to boost veggies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Brown the beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute.

2

Stir in tomato paste

Add the tomato paste to the beef and onion and cook for 1 minute, letting it coat the meat and deepen in color.

3

Add tomatoes and seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

4

Simmer the sauce

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet partially, and let the sauce simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

5

Cook the pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

6

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat, thinning with a little reserved pasta water if needed for a silky texture.

7

Plate and add cheese

Divide the pasta among bowls, sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, and let the heat melt the cheese slightly.

8

Finish and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed, garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve hot.

9

Optional quick tweak

For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end or a splash of heavy cream when adding the pasta to the sauce.

10

Cool slightly before storing

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container so they store safely in the fridge.

Pro Baker Tips

✓Brown the beef in batches so the pan is not crowded and the meat sears instead of steaming.

✓Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with a pinch more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.

✓Add a splash of red wine when you add the tomatoes for deeper flavor.

✓Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.

✓If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a bit of reserved pasta water or a splash of broth.

Storage & Serving Notes

◆Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

◆Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

◆Keep cheese and pasta separate if you plan to reheat for best texture, then toss together before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Ground Beef Pasta hot, straight from the skillet, with a simple salad and crusty bread.

›Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley

›Pair with garlic bread and a crisp green salad

›Squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

›Add chili flakes for a little heat

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef and sauté the onion and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the tomatoes and seasonings and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Add the cooked pasta just before serving to keep it from getting mushy.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out in the fridge?

Store the pasta sauce and pasta separately in the fridge. When reheating, warm the sauce first, then toss with the pasta and a splash of water or broth to refresh it.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the cooked beef sauce without pasta for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, then toss with freshly cooked pasta and cheese.

What is the easiest way to get more flavor in the sauce?

Add a splash of red wine while the sauce is simmering, or stir in a little miso paste or Worcestershire sauce for an umph boost.

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Go Make It!

This Ground Beef Pasta is quick, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, so you can feel confident serving it any night of the week and still enjoy every delicious bite.