Name: Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 3 cloves garlic, grated or minced; 1/2 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; 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)

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.

A large silver pan filled with a thick mixed dish of spiraled pasta and chunky red tomato sauce with browned ground meat, topped with small green parsley leaves and sprinkled with fine white cheese shreds. A wooden spoon inside the pan lifts a scoop of the pasta mixture. The pan is on a white marbled surface with some green parsley sprigs scattered nearby and a small bowl with shredded white cheese in the upper left. A soft white cloth lies folded in the upper right corner. 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 Dinner Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe

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.

Flat lay of lean ground beef shaped loosely in a pile, a small drizzle of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, a handful of diced yellow onion pieces, three whole cloves of fresh garlic with papery skin intact, a small bunch of vibrant flat leaf parsley sprigs, a sprinkling of dried Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes placed separately on the surface, a small white bowl filled with rich red crushed tomatoes, another small white bowl holding dark brown beef broth, one whole uncracked brown egg (to represent freshness), a neat pile of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, a small white bowl with shredded parmesan cheese, and a small white bowl containing creamy plain Greek yogurt, each ingredient distinct and naturally fresh, perfectly arranged with symmetry 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 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.

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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

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

A white bowl filled with spiral pasta mixed with a rich tomato meat sauce, the pasta is orange-red and coated evenly with the sauce. Small chunks of browned ground meat are spread throughout the dish. On top, shredded white cheese and green parsley leaves are sprinkled, adding contrast. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the left side. In the background, there is a large pan also filled with the same pasta and sauce, set on a white marbled surface with some green parsley around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?

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.

What pasta type works best for this Ground Beef Pasta Dinner Recipe?

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!

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

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.

Why do you recommend adding Greek yogurt at the end?

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!