Description
This Ground Beef Pasta is a comforting and hearty one-skillet meal that’s quick to prepare and full of rich Italian flavor. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, the savory beef, seasoned tomato sauce, and tender pasta come together in a cheesy, satisfying dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
12 ounces rigatoni (or other sturdy pasta)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes or until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Mix well.
5. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
7. Combine cooked pasta with the beef sauce in the skillet. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy and well combined.
9. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if using.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melt quality.
Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
To freeze: let cool, transfer to airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta, one-skillet pasta, family dinner