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

There's something so comforting about a warm plate of pasta that’s rich in flavor and easy to make, which is exactly why this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s that perfect balance of hearty beef, tangy tomatoes, and comforting pasta that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug on a plate.

A large silver pan is filled with a thick stew of orange-red rotini pasta mixed with a rich brown meat sauce. The dish is topped with finely grated white cheese and scattered bright green parsley leaves. A wooden spoon lifts some of the pasta and sauce, showing the textured spirals covered in sauce and small bits of ground meat. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of grated cheese and fresh parsley nearby, along with a white cloth in the background. 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 is one of those easy, no-fuss meals that feels homemade and special all at once. I keep coming back to it because it’s versatile and forgiving – you can tweak it to suit whatever you have on hand or your mood.

Simple Ingredients: It uses pantry staples and fresh herbs for a big flavor payoff without complicated steps.
One-Pot Wonder: Cooking the pasta right in the sauce means fewer dishes and amazing flavor absorption.
Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and a hint of balsamic is incredibly satisfying.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add extras, making it perfect for quick dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. Understanding a bit about them helps you get the best results and makes shopping a breeze.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced yellow onion, three whole cloves of garlic with papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped flat leaf parsley, a small white ceramic bowl containing Italian seasoning herbs, a pinch of vibrant red pepper flakes on the white marble surface, a small white ceramic bowl of rich beef broth, a simple white ceramic bowl heaped with crushed ripe red tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl with dark balsamic vinegar, uncooked fusilli pasta arranged neatly in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding creamy plain Greek yogurt, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed 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: A good quality olive oil adds depth and helps brown the beef beautifully.
Lean Ground Beef: Choosing lean beef keeps the dish from being greasy while still packing that meaty punch.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and body once softened, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic: Essential for that aromatic warmth that ties everything together.
Flat Leaf Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a lovely herbal note.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and other herbs boosting the classic Italian vibe effortlessly.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch to add a subtle kick that wakes up the palate.
Low Sodium Beef Broth: Adds rich umami and moisture for cooking the pasta right in the sauce.
Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce providing tangy tomato goodness and body.
Balsamic Vinegar (Optional): A splash enhances depth and sweetness, balancing the acidity.
Pasta (8 oz): Pick your favorite shape — I often go with penne or rigatoni for their sauce-holding ability.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, salty finish that blends beautifully when stirred in.
Greek Yogurt (Optional): Adds creaminess without heaviness if you want an extra silky texture.

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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 this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe because it's so adaptable. Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies. You can switch up the herbs or use spicy sausage instead of beef for a new spin.

Variation: Adding a handful of fresh spinach near the end is my go-to to sneak in greens without messing with the flavor.
Dairy-Free: Skip the parmesan and yogurt, then top with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Make it Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños if you’re in the mood for heat.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, it cooks just as well in the sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with a single layer of rotini pasta coated in a rich red-brown meat sauce with visible small chunks of ground meat. The pasta is topped with a light sprinkle of finely grated white cheese and scattered green parsley leaves for contrast. A silver fork tines-down is partially buried in the pasta on the left side of the bowl. In the background, a white marbled surface holds a white dish filled with shredded cheese and a glimpse of a larger pan of the same pasta dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build a Flavor Base

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When it’s hot but not smoking, add your ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. This step is crucial — browning the beef properly gives incredible depth and savory richness. Once it's halfway cooked and the pink is fading, add in your diced onions and garlic. Season everything lightly with salt and pepper as you go. Cook until the beef is fully brown and the onions are soft and fragrant. Avoid stirring too frequently here to get some caramelization on the beef that brings serious flavor.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Liquids

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes into the beef mixture. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and chopped parsley, stirring everything well. If you have balsamic vinegar, stir that in now as well — it will add a subtle sweetness that rounds out the acidity beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Dump the pasta straight into the skillet, making sure it’s fully submerged in the sauce. This is where the magic happens — cooking pasta in the sauce helps them soak up all the amazing flavors. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir often so your pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom, and if the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is tender, add a splash of additional broth or water. Cook for 15–20 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Creaminess

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded parmesan cheese and Greek yogurt if you’re using it. The cheese melts into the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy, while the yogurt adds a delightful tang and silkiness. Just be sure your yogurt is at room temperature before adding, so it blends smoothly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe many times, a few tricks make all the difference between an average meal and an unforgettable dinner.

Brown the meat well: Don’t rush this step—the rich flavor starts here. Let the beef develop a nice crust before stirring.
Don’t forget to stir the pasta: Because pasta cooks in the sauce, stirring is key to avoid it sticking or burning on the bottom.
Add liquids gradually: If your sauce thickens too fast, add broth or water a little at a time to keep the pasta cooking evenly.
Use room temperature yogurt: This helps prevent curdling and keeps the sauce silky smooth when adding dairy.

How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with extra fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese—these simple garnishes brighten the dish and add extra flavor. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good olive oil or a few chili flakes if I want more heat.

Side Dishes

This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp, light salad—think mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also works wonders for mopping up that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a fresh herb sprig and a parmesan crisp on the side. You can also bake it quickly with a sprinkle of mozzarella on top for a bubbly, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead option.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, too—just freeze in portions without the fresh parsley and cheese garnishes. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Stir often to keep the pasta from sticking and to revive that fresh, just-cooked taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of meat in this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage. Just adjust cooking time accordingly until your meat is fully cooked.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Pasta that holds sauce well, like penne, rigatoni, or rotini, works best. These shapes catch the sauce in their grooves, enhancing every bite. However, feel free to use any pasta you prefer!

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt in the recipe?

No, Greek yogurt is optional. It adds creaminess and tang but if you prefer, you can substitute with heavy cream, or omit completely for a lighter sauce. Just avoid adding cold yogurt directly — let it come to room temperature to prevent curdling.

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

Stirring regularly is key when cooking pasta in sauce to prevent sticking and scorching. Also, make sure the pasta is fully submerged, and if the sauce thickens too much, add small amounts of broth or water to keep it loose.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe has become one of my favorite comfort dishes because it’s homey, satisfying, and so easy to pull together even on hectic nights. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm, delicious welcome every time you sit down to eat. Give it a try, and don’t be shy about making it your own!