This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is just what you need if you’re looking for a quick, cozy dinner that will satisfy the whole family. It’s one of those wonderful-feeling weeknight dinners that doesn’t call for any special ingredients. Everything is combined in a single pot, the pasta absorbs all the flavors of the seasoned meat, and the sauce becomes thick and velvety.
Even though it only takes around 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those nights when you want something substantial but simple, something that tastes like you worked on it for hours. It’s incredibly filling, highly customisable, and reasonably priced. It makes sense that some of the most popular dinner recipes on the internet are ground beef pasta dishes.
This recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite, whether you’re preparing meals for the week, cooking for your family, or simply seeking a bowl of warm comfort.
Table of Contents
⭐ Why This Ground Beef Pasta Is So Popular
People love this recipe because:
- It uses simple, affordable ingredients
- It cooks in one pot, making cleanup easy
- It’s customizable, add veggies, spices, or different cheeses
- It tastes rich and comforting
- It works with any pasta shape
One of the best parts is how the sauce clings to the pasta, creating the perfect creamy, meaty bite every time.
⭐ Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious meal:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
- 1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Optional add-ins: spinach, mushrooms, peas, bell peppers, basil
This dish is quite adaptable; you can use any pasta or cheese you have, and you can make it healthy by adding vegetables.
⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat a little olive oil in a large pot. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Break it apart with a spatula and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Tip: Browning the beef well adds a deeper, richer flavor to the sauce.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Add chopped onions and minced garlic.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant.
This is the moment when your kitchen start smelling amazing!
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, and chili flakes if you’re using them.
These spices give the dish a warm, comforting flavor without being overwhelming.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, then add beef broth.
Stir everything together until well combined.
At this stage, the pot will look very soupy, but don’t worry.
The pasta will absorb most of the liquid as it cooks.
Step 5: Add Pasta
Add your uncooked pasta straight into the pot.
Make sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
You’ll notice the sauce getting thicker and the pasta becoming tender.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream (or milk).
This turns the sauce beautifully silky and smooth.
For an even richer taste, add a splash more cream, trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 7: Add Cheese
Sprinkle in your shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
You can also leave some extra cheese for topping.
When the cheese melts into the sauce, it becomes irresistibly cheesy and comforting.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more broth.
Step 9: Serve Warm
Scoop the pasta into bowls and top with fresh parsley, parmesan, or extra cheese.
Your ground beef pasta should now look rich, creamy, and perfectly irresistible.
⭐ Tips and Tricks for the Best Ground Beef Pasta
Here are some helpful tricks to take your dish from good to amazing:
✔ Use small pasta shapes
They cook faster and hold the sauce better.
✔ Add vegetables for texture
Mushrooms, peas, bell peppers, or spinach work wonderfully.
✔ Don’t skip the cheese
It creates the smooth, creamy texture that makes this dish comforting.
✔ Add broth gradually if needed
Every pasta shape absorbs liquid differently.
✔ Make it spicy
A pinch of cayenne or a swirl of chili oil adds amazing heat.
✔ Add a dollop of sour cream at the end
It makes the sauce extra creamy and slightly tangy.
⭐ Variations You Can Try
This recipe is fun to customize! Here are some delicious variations:
✨ Taco Ground Beef Pasta
Add taco seasoning, corn, and black beans.
Top with cheddar and cilantro.
✨ Italian-Style Ground Beef Pasta
Add basil, parmesan, and crushed red pepper.
✨ Cheesy Baked Version
Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top,
and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
✨ Veggie-Packed Version
Add zucchini, spinach, or shredded carrots.
⭐ Storage & Reheating
Another great thing about this recipe—it reheats beautifully.
Refrigerator
Store for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Freeze for 1–2 months.
Add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creaminess.
Reheat
Warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Add a little milk or broth if the pasta becomes too thick.
⭐ What to Serve With Ground Beef Pasta
This meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some great sides:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
⭐ Final Thoughts
This recipe for ground beef pasta demonstrates that you can make a rich, savory, and utterly fulfilling dish without using pricey ingredients. Everything is cooked in a same pot, the pasta absorbs all the delectable aromas from the beef and tomatoes, and the sauce turns creamy and cheesy.
This dish is always a hit, whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining, or preparing meals for the coming week. It’s inexpensive, simple to prepare, comfortable, and sure to win praise at the dinner table.
