Are you looking for a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal? Easy Ground Beef Pasta is the perfect solution! This dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, delicious sauce for a meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or just craving comfort food, this recipe is a game-changer.
In this exclusive 1500-word article, we’ll cover:
Why this recipe works (quick, budget-friendly, and delicious)
Step-by-step instructions (with expert tips)
Variations & substitutions (for different diets)
Serving suggestions & storage tips
SEO-optimized FAQs (to boost your cooking skills)
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Pasta
1. Quick & Easy (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
No complicated steps—just brown the beef, cook the pasta, and mix everything together. Perfect for busy weeknights!
2. Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Uses simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, canned tomatoes, and basic seasonings.
3. Family-Friendly & Customizable
Kids love it, and you can tweak it with extra veggies, cheese, or spices.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep
Stores well in the fridge or freezer—great for leftovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need for this delicious ground beef pasta:
Main Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
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8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
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1 onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
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1 cup beef broth (or water + bouillon)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried basil & oregano)
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½ tsp salt & black pepper (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Add-Ins
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 bell pepper, diced
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1 cup spinach or mushrooms
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½ cup heavy cream (for a richer sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add pasta and cook until al dente (check package time).
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Drain and set aside (keep ½ cup pasta water for sauce).
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
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Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned (5-6 mins).
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Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
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Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
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(Optional) Add heavy cream or Parmesan for extra richness.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
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Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well.
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If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
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Garnish with fresh parsley & extra cheese.
Expert Tips for the Best Ground Beef Pasta
✔ Use high-quality beef (80/20 fat ratio for flavor).
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is best!
✔ Deglaze the pan with a bit of red wine for extra depth.
✔ Let it rest 2-3 minutes before serving for better flavor.
5 Delicious Variations to Try
1. Cheesy Beef Pasta
Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella at the end for a gooey finish.
2. Spicy Mexican Style
Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning + add black beans & corn.
3. Creamy Mushroom Beef Pasta
Sauté 1 cup mushrooms with onions + stir in ½ cup heavy cream.
4. Healthy Veggie Boost
Add zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
5. One-Pot Version
Cook pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth (no separate pot needed).
Serving Suggestions
Pair with: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies.
Top with: Fresh basil, Parmesan, or crushed red pepper.
Drink pairing: Red wine (like Chianti) or sparkling water.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or warm on the stovetop.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months (thaw overnight before reheating).
FAQs (SEO-Optimized)
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well.
2. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check broth labels.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown beef first, then add all ingredients (except pasta) and cook on Low 4-6 hours. Stir in cooked pasta at the end.
4. Why is my pasta dry?
Add more broth, pasta water, or a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.
5. What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or fusilli hold sauce best.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ground Beef Pasta is a lifesaver for busy nights—simple, affordable, and packed with flavor. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a fun variation, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Try it tonight and let us know how it turns out in the comments!
