This Ground Beef Pasta is an easy, family-friendly dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
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Ground Beef Pasta (Easy Weeknight)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Ground Beef Pasta is a quick and satisfying dinner that combines simple ingredients into a comforting meal everyone will love. It’s perfect for weeknights, easy to customize, and delicious enough to keep on your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes so the flavors blend together.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir until every piece is coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Cover for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming soft.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- Drain excess grease from the beef for a lighter sauce.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts and tastes better than pre-grated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 495 per serving
ariations
- Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Stir in heavy cream for a creamy tomato sauce.
- Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes.
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or an Italian cheese blend.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Green beans
- Steamed asparagus
Tips
- Season the beef while browning for deeper flavor.
- Reserve a little pasta water before draining.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield
Servings: 6
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 495
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Ground Beef Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the recipe completely, let it cool, and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What pasta works best for Ground Beef Pasta?
Elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, shells, and fusilli all work well because they hold onto the sauce nicely.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use homemade tomato sauce?
Absolutely. Homemade marinara or meat sauce works perfectly and adds even more flavor.
How do I keep the pasta from becoming dry?
If reheating leftovers, stir in a few tablespoons of water, broth, or extra marinara sauce to restore the creamy texture.
What cheese is best for this recipe?
Mozzarella provides a gooey melt, while Parmesan adds savory flavor. You can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or an Italian cheese blend.