There’s something comforting about a hearty, saucy pasta that hits all the right notes, and this Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe just does that. It’s the perfect blend of savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta, making it just the kind of meal you’ll want on busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe countless times, and honestly, it never gets old. It’s incredibly straightforward but packs so much flavor, making it one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of the day.
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients: You likely already have most of what you need in your kitchen, so no last-minute runs to the store.
- One-pot magic: Cooking the pasta right in the sauce means fewer dishes and extra flavor absorption for the pasta.
- Customizable to your taste: You can easily swap herbs, add veggies, or tweak the spice level to make it just right for you.
- Family and crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends, everyone loves it.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe contributes something special—the beef brings savory depth, the tomatoes add brightness, and the seasonings tie everything together. Grab quality basics and fresh herbs to really elevate your dish.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef beautifully and carries the garlic and onion flavors.
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty richness without too much grease, balancing the sauce perfectly.
- Diced yellow onion: Adds sweet and aromatic notes that mellow out when cooked.
- Garlic: The star flavor enhancer—grated or minced gives a more even distribution of taste.
- Flat leaf parsley: Fresh and vibrant; the best garnish and flavor lift after cooking.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings earthiness and herbaceous notes.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a subtle but pleasant heat; adjust to your liking.
- Low sodium beef broth: Boosts that savory backbone without overpowering the other flavors.
- Crushed tomatoes: The saucy base that’s rich and tangy with a satisfying texture.
- Balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds a hint of sweet acidity to balance the richness if you like complexity.
- Pasta: I like sturdy shapes that can hold sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite kind.
- Parmesan cheese: Harsh, salty, nutty—mixing this in creates that irresistible creamy finish.
- Plain Greek yogurt (optional): Adds creaminess and tang for a lighter twist if you want to skip heavy cream.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it exactly to your preferences. I often switch up herbs or sneak in veggies to boost nutrition, and you should definitely feel free to experiment too!
- Veggie boost: I love adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra earthiness and color.
- Spice it up: Sometimes I add a dash of smoked paprika or swap red pepper flakes for chili powder for a smoky heat.
- Make it creamy: When Greek yogurt isn’t on hand, I’ll swirl in a splash of heavy cream at the end for that luscious texture.
- Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, keeping an eye on cooking times—it might differ a bit!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and crumble it up with your spatula. I usually let it brown without stirring too much early on to get some nice caramelization—it really amps up the flavor! When the beef is half cooked, add in diced onions and minced garlic, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is done through and the onions are translucent and soft.
Step 2: Build the Sauce with Herbs, Tomatoes, and Broth
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then pour in your crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in chopped parsley, reserving a little for later garnish. This is where the magic happens: everything simmers together, building that deep, rich sauce we all crave.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Cook It Right in the Sauce
Dump your pasta straight into the pan, stirring well to make sure it’s fully submerged. Bring the whole thing up to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking. If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is tender, just add a bit more broth, a splash at a time.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Creaminess
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened beautifully, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in parmesan cheese and, if you're using it, some room-temperature Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with more parmesan and fresh parsley before serving!
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned that patience and attention during each step make all the difference in this Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe. These simple tips will help you nail the flavor and texture every time.
- Don't rush browning: Let the beef sit undisturbed at first to develop those golden brown bits—they add incredible depth.
- Stir often once pasta is added: This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking right in the sauce.
- Use room temperature yogurt: Mixing cold yogurt straight in can cause it to curdle—warm it up first for smooth, creamy results.
- Adjust liquid gradually: If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is done, add broth little by little instead of all at once for perfect consistency.
How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of finishing this pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra handful of grated Parmesan. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even a scattering of toasted pine nuts can add a lovely texture contrast if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
To balance the richness, I usually serve this with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread is a classic, irresistible option if you want something extra comforting on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I love serving this Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe in individual rustic bowls with a garnish of microgreens and a fresh crack of black pepper on top. Setting the table with warm candles and a loaf of crusty bread always makes the meal feel extra inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Pasta stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it cool fully before refrigerating to keep the sauce from becoming watery.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with good results. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind, pasta can sometimes absorb more liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when warming.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a bit of broth or water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can dry out the beef and make the pasta mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just be mindful that cooking times and fat content might vary, which can affect the sauce richness and texture.
Pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are perfect because their grooves and tubes hold onto the sauce well. But honestly, feel free to use whatever you have on hand—it all tastes delicious!
Yes! Swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta often cooks faster and can be more delicate.
Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang and smoothness without the heaviness of cream. Adding it off the heat and at room temperature helps prevent curdling, keeping your sauce luxuriously smooth.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a go-to friend in your kitchen. It's reliable, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself to something homemade and satisfying, I really think you’ll enjoy it as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A hearty and flavorful ground beef pasta recipe cooked in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce, enhanced with Italian seasoning, garlic, and fresh parsley. Topped with parmesan cheese and optionally creamy Greek yogurt for extra richness. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or minced
- ½ cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 8 ounces pasta
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown beef: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a deep large skillet, Dutch oven, or pot. When the oil is hot, add the ground beef and crumble it as it cooks.
- Add onion and garlic: When the beef is partially cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until beef is fully cooked and onion is softened.
- Add spices and liquids: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and chopped parsley (reserve some parsley for garnish). Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Cook pasta in sauce: Add the pasta directly into the sauce, ensuring it is completely submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, adding extra broth by ¼ cup increments if sauce thickens too quickly.
- Finish with cheese and yogurt: Remove the pan from heat and stir in shredded parmesan cheese and Greek yogurt if using, until fully incorporated and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve and garnish: Garnish with reserved parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Using full-fat, room temperature Greek yogurt prevents graininess when stirred into hot sauce.
- For a creamy sauce without yogurt, substitute with ¼ to ⅓ cup heavy cream.
- Stir frequently during pasta cooking to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Balsamic vinegar is optional but adds depth of flavor to the tomato sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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