GROUND BEEF PASTA EASY

I’ll never forget the time my college roommate, bless her heart, tried to impress a date by attempting a “gourmet” Ground Beef Pasta dish that involved, among other things, canned peaches and a truly alarming amount of curry powder – let’s just say the date didn’t stick around for dessert! But don’t let that scare you, because today, we’re making a classic, foolproof version of Ground Beef Pasta that’s so comforting and satisfying, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with fancy ingredients. Get ready to create a weeknight dinner masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Ground Beef Pasta

Hey there, friend! Let’s talk Ground Beef Pasta. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish you crave after a long day, the kind that brings the whole family together, and the kind that’s endlessly adaptable to your own tastes and what you have on hand. Forget complicated sauces and fussy techniques – we’re keeping it simple, flavorful, and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is a relatively inexpensive protein, making this a great meal for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Versatile: We’ll start with a basic recipe, but I’ll give you tons of ideas for customizing it with your favorite veggies, herbs, and spices.
• Kid-Friendly: Let’s be honest, most kids (and plenty of adults!) adore pasta with a rich, meaty sauce.
• Makes Great Leftovers: This Ground Beef Pasta tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping or packing lunches.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to whip up this fantastic Ground Beef Pasta. Don’t worry if you don’t have every single item; I’ll offer substitutions and variations along the way.

• Ground Beef: I usually go for 80/20 ground beef for flavor and juiciness. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
• Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or even classic spaghetti all work well. Choose your favorite shape!
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are essential for building a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Canned Tomatoes: I like to use a combination of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce for the best texture and flavor. You can also use diced tomatoes, but be sure to drain off any excess liquid.
• Tomato Paste: This adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that gives the pasta a classic Italian taste.
• Sugar: A pinch of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Toppings: Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Ground Beef Pasta on the table in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian – you want a slight bite to it, not mushy! Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy pasta!

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The aroma should be intoxicating – that’s when you know you’re on the right track.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Ground Beef Pasta

Even though this recipe is super easy, here are a few tips and tricks to help you take it to the next level:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta is mushy and unpleasant. Always cook it al dente.
• Brown the Beef Well: Browning the beef adds a ton of flavor to the sauce. Don’t be afraid to let it get nice and brown!
• Simmer the Sauce: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more complex taste.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Add a Splash of Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water. Add a little bit of this to the sauce to help it cling to the pasta and create a creamier texture. This is an old Italian trick that works wonders!

Variations and Customizations: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Veggies: Sauté diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach along with the onion and garlic.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or sour cream at the end for a creamy, decadent sauce.
• Add Some Wine: Pour in a splash of red wine after browning the beef and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the other sauce ingredients.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese over the pasta and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a cheesy baked pasta.
• Try different meats: Italian sausage gives this dish a slightly different flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Ground Beef Pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing!
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or heat in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Ready to make some amazing Ground Beef Pasta?

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, rotini, or spaghetti)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Other Delicious Pasta Recipes to Try

If you loved this Ground Beef Pasta recipe, you might also enjoy some of these other amazing pasta dishes:

• Craving something creamy and decadent? You absolutely *must* try Marry Me Chicken Pasta! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• For a fun twist on a classic, check out Cheesy Meatball Subs. They’re perfect for game day or a casual weeknight dinner.
• Looking for a Tex-Mex inspired pasta dish? Taco Casserole is a fantastic option.
• If you are looking for a little heat and spice check out Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta for a kick!
• For a simple and elegant dish, you can’t go wrong with Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti. It’s a classic for a reason!
• And for a truly unique and flavorful pasta experience, try Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. It’s a fun and unexpected twist on a classic sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I use frozen ground beef? Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve.
• Can I freeze leftover Ground Beef Pasta? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• What can I use instead of Italian seasoning? If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
• How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled plant-based meat.

So there you have it – a simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable Ground Beef Pasta recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Now go forth and create some pasta magic! And remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Easy Ground Beef Pasta

This easy ground beef pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices. A comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound pasta penne, rigatoni, rotini, or spaghetti
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Red pepper flakes for garnish optional

Equipment

• large pot
• colander
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• cutting board

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
5. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta. Brown the beef well for added flavor. Simmer the sauce for a richer taste. Season generously. Add a splash of pasta water for a creamier texture. For variations, add sauteed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Spice it up with red pepper flakes. Make it creamy with ricotta cheese or sour cream. Add a splash of red wine. Use different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese over the pasta and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months.