Name: Ground Beef Pasta 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

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of hearty pasta simmered with savory meat and fresh herbs. This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your belly with pure satisfaction. It's a one-pot wonder that's simple enough for weeknights but special enough for a cozy dinner with friends.

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 Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the first time I made this ground beef pasta, I was hooked. It’s incredibly versatile, a crowd-pleaser, and manages to be both rich and fresh in flavor. Plus, it all cooks in one pan – less cleanup and more time to savor your meal.

One-Pot Magic: Everything cooks together, melding flavors beautifully while saving you from washing multiple pots.
Comfort in Every Bite: The combination of crushed tomatoes, herbs, and parmesan creates a sauce that’s indulgent yet balanced.
Customizable Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar to tailor it exactly to your taste.
Family Friendly: It pleases picky eaters and hungry adults alike, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this ground beef pasta recipe plays a role in building deep, layered flavors. The secret is balancing fresh herbs, savory beef, and tangy tomatoes to create a sauce that hugs the pasta perfectly. When you're shopping, aim for quality beef and ripe canned tomatoes to make a real difference.

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: The base that gently cooks the beef and veggies, adding a subtle fruity richness.
Lean ground beef: I prefer lean to keep it flavorful but not greasy, allowing the sauce to shine.
Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness that softens and complements the meat.
Garlic: Powerful and aromatic, it boosts the savory notes with every stir.
Flat leaf parsley: Freshness and a pop of green that brightens the whole dish.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that tie the sauce together.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for warmth without overwhelming heat.
Beef broth: Adds depth and umami, making the sauce rich but not heavy.
Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce—choose high-quality canned ones for that home-cooked flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: Optional, but I love the subtle tang that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Pasta (8 ounces): I use penne or rigatoni, but you can go with your favorite shape.
Parmesan cheese: Adds savory creaminess; freshly grated makes all the difference.
Plain Greek yogurt: Optional, but it lends a lovely creaminess without heaviness—just be sure it’s room temperature before stirring in.

📝

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

This is where the fun begins—you can easily tweak this ground beef pasta recipe to match what you love or what’s in your pantry. I often experiment with different herbs or swap the beef for ground turkey when I want something leaner.

Variation: One week, I stirred in a handful of baby spinach towards the end for extra greens—it added color and nutrients without changing the cozy feel.
Diet-Friendly: Swap out regular pasta for gluten-free versions or zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.
Make it Creamier: If you’re skipping the Greek yogurt, a splash of cream or half and half works beautifully to create a silky sauce.
Boost the Heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Pasta 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: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

I heat up the olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it's shimmering—this ensures a great sear. Then, in goes the ground beef, which I immediately break apart with my spatula. Once the beef is halfway cooked (you’ll see it start to brown), I toss in the diced onion and grated garlic, seasoning all with salt and pepper. Cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that’s the first sign you’re on track.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Next, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then stir in most of the parsley, saving a little for garnish. The trick is to stir everything thoroughly so the spices bloom and the flavors marry before adding the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

Dump the dry pasta straight into the sauce, pushing it gently so it’s fully submerged. Bring the whole pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered. Stir often to keep the pasta from sticking, and if the sauce feels too thick before the pasta finishes cooking, add a splash of extra broth—quarter cup at a time—to keep it saucy and delicious. This slow simmer infuses the pasta with flavor, giving you a harmonious dish instead of separate pasta and sauce.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Creaminess

Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened just right, I remove the pan from heat. Then, I stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and, if I’m using it, room temperature Greek yogurt for a subtle tang and silky texture. This step brings it all together wonderfully. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving!

Top Tip

After cooking this ground beef pasta recipe many times, I’ve learned that the key to success is patience and tasting along the way. A few simple tricks make the difference between good and unforgettable.

Brown Your Beef Well: Don’t rush this part—browning builds the foundation of flavor that carries through the whole dish.
Keep Stirring: When simmering the pasta in sauce, stirring often prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Use Room-Temp Yogurt: Adding cold Greek yogurt straight from the fridge can cause it to curdle—warm it up a bit before mixing in.
Adjust Consistency Gradually: If your sauce thickens too fast, small amounts of broth or water help without watering down the flavor.

How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this pasta with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a pinch of fresh parsley—it adds that satisfying cheesy kick and a fresh herbal note. Sometimes, I’ll even drop a few torn basil leaves if my garden is abundant.

Side Dishes

This ground beef pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread that’s perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers are also great companions for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like serving this pasta in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh herbs and a light drizzle of good olive oil. Alternatively, layering it in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top and broiling for a few minutes creates a tempting baked pasta twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last around 3-4 days. Before reheating, give the pasta a good stir to redistribute the sauce and keep everything moist.

Freezing

This ground beef pasta freezes well if you want to save portions for later. I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats nicely without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks dry. Microwaving is fine too—cover the dish to trap steam and keep the sauce lush and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of pasta in this ground beef pasta recipe?

Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni work great because they hold the sauce well, feel free to use spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt in the recipe?

Greek yogurt is optional but adds a lovely creamy texture and slight tang. If you prefer, you can substitute it with heavy cream or skip it altogether for a classic tomato sauce consistency.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking when cooking it in the sauce?

Stirring the pasta frequently while it simmers in the sauce is key to preventing sticking. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little extra broth or water to keep the pasta moist and moving freely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a gathering?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and brown the beef ahead, then combine and cook the pasta just before serving. Alternatively, make the whole dish, refrigerate, and gently reheat before your guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this ground beef pasta recipe because it’s just that good. It’s my go-to when I want something that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. A few simple ingredients, a bit of love, and voilà—a meal that everyone loves. I hope it becomes one of your favorites too, perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting but fuss-free. Give it a try and let me know what your favorite tweaks are!