This hearty and flavorful pasta dish combines tender noodles with a savory ground beef sauce. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Serves: 4-6
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, rotini, or your choice)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water or pasta cooking water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then remove any excess grease.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce
- Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir it into the beef mixture.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and 1/2 cup of water (or pasta cooking water).
- Stir in the dried basil, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer the sauce over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve
- Plate the pasta with ground beef and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Tips for Customization
- Add Vegetables
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use Different Meat
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for variety.
- Make It Cheesy
- Add shredded mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving for a creamy twist.
- Spice It Up
- Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
This Pasta with Ground Beef is a versatile and satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Easy Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe
This hearty and flavorful pasta dish combines tender noodles with a savory ground beef sauce. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g pasta (penne, spaghetti, rotini, or your choice)
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water or pasta cooking water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then remove any excess grease.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce
- Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir it into the beef mixture.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and 1/2 cup of water (or pasta cooking water).
- Stir in the dried basil, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer the sauce over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve
- Plate the pasta with ground beef and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.