There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that comes together in one pan. This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is exactly that — rich, saucy, and perfect for those nights when you want dinner on the table without a mountain of dishes.

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

This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe quickly became one of my go-to weeknight dishes because it’s not only straightforward but packed with big flavors. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is actually incredibly forgiving to make — a win-win in my book!

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together so cleanup is a breeze, which I always appreciate after a long day.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: Using beef broth and a touch of balsamic vinegar adds depth you won’t get from plain tomato sauce alone.
Customizable Comfort: You can add your favorite veggies or swap out pasta types to make it truly your own.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is affordable and protein-packed, making this a satisfying yet economical family meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

With just a handful of ingredients, this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes. Each element plays a role in building layers of flavor and ensuring the dish is hearty and balanced.

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 for sautéing that gently fries the beef without burning and adds a fruity note.
Lean ground beef: Provides rich umami and protein, opting for lean keeps the sauce from getting greasy.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened alongside the beef.
Garlic: Freshly minced or grated, it brings aromatic warmth that fills the kitchen.
Flat leaf parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh, herbaceous flavor both cooked in and as a garnish.
Italian seasoning: A classic blend that layers in savory, peppery notes to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
Low sodium beef broth: Adds richness and prevents the sauce from drying out while the pasta cooks.
Crushed tomatoes: The hearty, tangy base of the sauce that complements the beef perfectly.
Balsamic vinegar (optional): A splash brings acidity and complexity, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Pasta: Any shape you like — I often go for penne or rigatoni because they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Stirred in to meld with the sauce for creaminess and a salty bite.
Plain Greek yogurt (optional): Gives a creamy tang without heaviness, just make sure it’s full-fat and at room temp to avoid graininess.

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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

I love how adaptable this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is. Whether you want it spicy, extra cheesy, or packed with veggies, you can tweak it easily to suit your mood or pantry.

Spicy variation: Once, I added a chopped jalapeño with the onions and upped the red pepper flakes—your kitchen will smell amazing and the heat level is just right.
Vegetable boost: Feel free to throw in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini when you add the onions for a little more color and nutrition.
Healthier swap: Try ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner protein, the sauce flavors carry well with any meat.
Dairy-free option: Skip the yogurt and parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative for a creamy finish without dairy.

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: Sizzle the Beef and Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small crumbles. Let it brown for a few minutes until it starts to lose its pink color, then toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Season everything with salt and pepper. Keep stirring until the onions turn soft and translucent and the beef is cooked through. This is where the base flavor builds, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, stirring to coat the beef and onions. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the beef broth, followed by most of the chopped parsley (reserve some for garnish). Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors. This luscious sauce is what makes the recipe stand out—rich with the broth enhancing the depth and the tomatoes bringing that classic comfort.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in Sauce

Dump the pasta straight into the skillet, pushing it down gently to make sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Bring the whole pot to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring often to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. If the sauce thickens too much before your pasta is tender, just stir in a little more broth, a quarter cup at a time. This trick keeps everything silky and perfectly saucy.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese & Creaminess

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts beautifully into the sauce. If you’re using Greek yogurt, add that too, but make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends smoothly without curdling. Give it one last taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Garnish with the remaining parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while it's warm, creamy, and utterly satisfying.

Top Tip

Through countless batches, I’ve nailed a few tricks that take this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe from good to unforgettable. Here’s what’s helped me every time:

Brown the beef well: Letting the beef get a nice sear before adding the onions locks in flavor and prevents watery sauce.
Don’t rush the pasta simmer: Stirring frequently keeps the pasta from sticking; patience here means perfect texture and flavor absorption.
Use room temperature yogurt: If adding Greek yogurt, warm it slightly to avoid a grainy sauce – it gives such a delightful creamy tang.
Adjust liquid as you go: If the sauce gets too thick before pasta is done, stir in beef broth bit by bit — this keeps everything saucy and luscious.

How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick to a handful of fresh flat leaf parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top. Sometimes, I’ll add a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper to kick it up a notch. These simple finishes elevate the dish without overpowering it.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own but I often pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. Roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts also make a perfect partner—adds texture and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve the Ground Beef Pasta Recipe in a rustic ceramic bowl with a sprinkle of microgreens and a side of lemon wedges. It makes the whole thing feel a little fancy, plus the lemon adds a lovely brightness when squeezed over the top just before eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep really well for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, which is a nice bonus if you want to prep ahead for busy days.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well, too. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Just keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might soften a bit after freezing, so I prefer to undercook the pasta slightly when making it for freezing.

Reheating

Reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or water keeps the sauce from drying out. Microwave works too, but I recommend covering the dish and stirring halfway through to heat it evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that work beautifully with the sauce. Even plant-based meat substitutes can be used for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since they can cook faster than beef.

What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?

This recipe is very versatile with pasta. I recommend sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells because their curves hold the sauce nicely. But honestly, spaghetti or any pasta you have on hand will work great—just keep an eye on the cooking time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta a bit ahead of time, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. Just be sure to avoid overcooking the pasta initially so it doesn’t become mushy upon reheating.

How do I keep the yogurt from curdling when adding it to hot pasta?

Make sure the Greek yogurt is full-fat and brought to room temperature before stirring it into the hot pasta and sauce. Adding it slowly off the heat helps too. This prevents the yogurt from curdling and keeps the sauce silky smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe has become one of those comfort-food staples I turn to when I want something satisfying and simple. It feels like a warm hug straight from my kitchen, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much. Give it a try—I promise it’ll make weeknight dinners feel a little more special without extra work!