Ground Beef Pasta

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When comfort food calls, this Ground Beef Pasta answers with bold, savory flavor and that irresistible, cheesy finish. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the best kind of smells—rich tomato sauce simmering with garlic, onions, and well-seasoned beef. Tossed with hearty pasta, it’s a family-favorite weeknight dinner that comes together quickly but tastes like it took hours.

Whether you’re hosting casual guests or feeding picky eaters, this dish hits all the right notes. The sauce is thick and flavorful, the meat tender and juicy, and every pasta piece is coated with just enough cheesy goodness to keep you going back for one more bite. Bonus? It reheats beautifully, making it just as good the next day.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best with Ground Beef?

Rigatoni, penne, or even rotini are all excellent choices because their shapes catch and hold the meat sauce so well. If you want to go classic, elbow macaroni or shells are nostalgic favorites. The key is to use a pasta shape that offers enough surface area for the sauce to cling to—avoid delicate types like angel hair or thin spaghetti for this recipe.

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Ingredients for the Ground Beef Pasta

Ground Beef
The heart of this dish, ground beef adds a rich, meaty flavor that makes the pasta filling and satisfying.

Onion
Diced onions provide depth and a sweet-savory base to the sauce.

Garlic
Freshly minced garlic adds warmth and aromatic notes that balance the richness of the beef.

Crushed Tomatoes
These bring that bright, acidic tomato flavor that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.

Tomato Paste
A concentrated hit of tomato flavor to thicken and enrich the sauce.

Italian Seasoning
A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that gives the dish its classic Italian profile.

Salt & Pepper
Essential for seasoning every layer.

Pasta of Choice
Go with rigatoni, penne, or another sturdy shape to trap all that beefy goodness.

Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkled on top or stirred in, it adds salty, umami depth.

Fresh Parsley (optional)
A bright, fresh garnish to lift the final dish.

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How To Make the Ground Beef Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and cook the diced onions until soft and translucent. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Once the beef is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta shape according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta but reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the pasta hot. Top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

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Best Ways to Serve and Store Ground Beef Pasta

Serve this hearty pasta straight from the skillet while it’s hot and bubbling. Pair it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a full meal. It’s also a great make-ahead dish—the flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more satisfying.

To store, transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and still works beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to season it well.

What if I don’t have tomato paste?

You can leave it out in a pinch, but the sauce may be slightly thinner and less rich. A tablespoon of ketchup or a bit of extra crushed tomato can work as a quick substitute.

How can I make this dish creamier?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese right at the end for a creamy, luscious texture.

What kind of cheese works best?

Parmesan is classic, but feel free to use mozzarella for gooeyness or pecorino for a sharper bite.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach all cook down nicely into the sauce and boost the nutrition.

How do I keep pasta from getting mushy when reheating?

Only cook the pasta to al dente the first time, and avoid over-stirring when reheating. A splash of broth or water helps revive the sauce.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Ground Beef Pasta became a weeknight winner in your home, here are more pasta dishes you’ll definitely want to try next:

• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a comforting, cheesy twist.
• One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta if you’re craving heat and richness in one pot.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a creamy and hearty chicken spin.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce when you want melty cheese in every bite.
• Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta for something with a sweet-savory balance.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And when you give it a try, drop a comment and let me know how yours turned out. Did you stick with ground beef or try a different protein? Maybe tossed in some extra veggies?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Your tweaks and tips help others get creative in the kitchen too!

✨ For more easy, family-loved meals like this one, follow along on Pinterest: Life with Nina

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