This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is one of those comforting, every-night-of-the-week kind of meals. The rich, meaty sauce clings to perfectly cooked pasta, and there’s a hint of tang and spice that keeps each bite exciting. It’s simple, cozy, and surprisingly satisfying.

A large silver pan is filled with a thick stew of orange-red rotini pasta mixed with a rich brown meat sauce. The dish is topped with finely grated white cheese and scattered bright green parsley leaves. A wooden spoon lifts some of the pasta and sauce, showing the textured spirals covered in sauce and small bits of ground meat. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of grated cheese and fresh parsley nearby, along with a white cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe countless times, and what always keeps me coming back is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful dish. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that you can whip up quickly on busy evenings.

Quick & Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
One-Pot Wonder: You cook the pasta right in the sauce, which means fewer dishes and maximum flavor.
Customizable: You can easily modify it with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or heat levels.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s filling and cozy – the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe plays a simple but crucial role in building robust flavor and perfect texture without overwhelming your countertop or budget. Here’s why these staples are the backbone of the dish.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced yellow onion, three whole cloves of garlic with papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped flat leaf parsley, a small white ceramic bowl containing Italian seasoning herbs, a pinch of vibrant red pepper flakes on the white marble surface, a small white ceramic bowl of rich beef broth, a simple white ceramic bowl heaped with crushed ripe red tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl with dark balsamic vinegar, uncooked fusilli pasta arranged neatly in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding creamy plain Greek yogurt, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef nicely without sticking, also adds a subtle fruity note.
Lean Ground Beef: Provides meaty richness; lean ensures a healthier dish without too much grease.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed with the beef.
Garlic: The aromatic punch that elevates the sauce’s flavor profile.
Flat Leaf Parsley: Freshness and a little herbal brightness to balance out the rich sauce.
Italian Seasoning: An easy mix of herbs (like oregano and basil) that complement the hearty beef and tomato flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
Low Sodium Beef Broth: Adds depth and helps cook the pasta in the sauce without making it too salty.
Crushed Tomatoes: The tomato base that makes the sauce authentically comforting and tangy.
Balsamic Vinegar (Optional): Adds a hint of sweetness and acidity which balances the tomatoes beautifully.
Pasta: I recommend something like penne or rigatoni – something with ridges or tubes to hold the sauce well.
Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in at the end to add creaminess and that savory umami punch.
Plain Greek Yogurt (Optional): A trick I love for extra creaminess without adding heavy cream; just be sure to use full fat and room temp!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I usually stick close to the classic but like to make it my own by swapping in fresh basil when it’s in season or adding a dash of smoked paprika if I’m craving a bit of smoky depth. Feel free to get creative— this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is flexible.

Variation: I once swapped the beef for ground turkey for a leaner version, and it still came out delicious and hearty.
Spice it Up: Crank up the red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños for heat.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to sneak in more veggies without losing that meaty comfort.
Dairy-Free Option: Skip the Greek yogurt and parmesan; try a drizzle of olive oil and some fresh herbs instead.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with a single layer of rotini pasta coated in a rich red-brown meat sauce with visible small chunks of ground meat. The pasta is topped with a light sprinkle of finely grated white cheese and scattered green parsley leaves for contrast. A silver fork tines-down is partially buried in the pasta on the left side of the bowl. In the background, a white marbled surface holds a white dish filled with shredded cheese and a glimpse of a larger pan of the same pasta dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Beef, Onion & Garlic

First, heat your olive oil over medium-high heat in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. When it's hot, toss in the ground beef and start breaking it apart with your spatula. Partway through, add in the diced onion and grated garlic with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Cooking this way lets the onions soften and the beef brown evenly, locking in flavor. Don’t rush—make sure the beef is fully cooked and the onions have lost their crunch before moving on.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Liquids

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley (save some for later). Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, and if you’re using balsamic vinegar, add it now for that subtle acidic brightness. Give everything a good stir—it should look like a luscious, chunky sauce ready to embrace the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

Dump your dry pasta right into the sauce and stir so it’s completely submerged. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered. Stir frequently—this keeps the pasta from sticking and helps everything cook evenly. If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is al dente, add broth in small increments to loosen it up. This technique gives you tender pasta soaking up all that flavor—no extra pots or boiling water needed.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Creaminess

Once the pasta is just right (a little firm to the bite), take the pan off the heat. Stir in the parmesan cheese and Greek yogurt if you’re using it. This adds creaminess and rounds out the acidity from the tomatoes beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Top Tip

After making this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe many times, I've learned some little things that make a big difference to the final dish. Here are my tried-and-true tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly every time.

Brown the Beef Well: Let it develop a rich brown crust before adding the onions; it adds depth to the sauce.
Stir Often: Pasta cooking in sauce can stick to the bottom easily, so frequent stirring prevents burning and clumping.
Room Temperature Yogurt: If you use Greek yogurt, bring it to room temp first to avoid curdling and keep the sauce silky.
Don’t Skip the Salt: Season early and taste often—you want the layers of flavor to shine through.

How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few cracks of black pepper for a finishing touch that makes it look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is my go-to side. Garlic bread or a rustic baguette also pairs beautifully for soaking up the sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini work great if you want to add a warm veggie option.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I've served this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe in a large casserole-style dish with fresh herb sprigs to make it look festive. Another time, I used small ramekins for single servings, which felt special and made portion control easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld a little more overnight, but the pasta can soak up the sauce and get thicker, so a splash of broth or water before reheating helps loosen it back up.

Freezing

This recipe freezes pretty well if you want to meal prep. I recommend freezing it without the yogurt or parmesan cheese and adding those fresh when you reheat. Freeze in portion-sized containers for convenience.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to bring back creaminess. Microwave works too, but do it in short bursts and stir frequently so it heats evenly without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer rigatoni or penne because they hold the sauce well, you can use spaghetti, fusilli, or any pasta you love. Just keep in mind the cooking time might vary a bit.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Skip the parmesan cheese and Greek yogurt. You can stir in a bit of olive oil or a dollop of coconut cream for richness instead. The sauce will still be flavorful and satisfying.

Is it okay to add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini when you add the onion and garlic. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients.

Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Yes, this dish actually tastes great reheated. Store it in airtight containers and add parmesan or yogurt fresh when reheating for best results.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is one of my all-time favorite weeknight meals. It feels like a little gift to myself after a busy day—warm, hearty, and easy to make. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Trust me, once you’ve made it, this will be going into your regular dinner rotation.