Ground Beef Pasta Recipe | Italian American Pan Dinner

In just under 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome and delicious dish on the table that’s as comforting as it is convenient. With a versatile base, you can customize this pasta recipe to suit your family’s taste buds.

Why You Will Love This Easy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Making this easy ground beef pasta is a breeze, even for beginner cooks. The key is to cook the ground beef with flavorful seasonings, creating a hearty base that blends seamlessly with your choice of pasta and sauce.

Equipments

• Cooking Pots
• Cooking Utensils

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, rigatoni, or any short variety)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 medium spicy Italian sausages (chopped/minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italiano seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausages until browned. Set aside. In the same skillet, add the ground beef breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned for about 5-7 minutes. Return the sausages into the skillet then add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and the optional chilli flakes.
3. Prepare the Sauce
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, ketchup, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
4. Combine and Serve
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

This ground beef pasta recipe is a quick and hearty meal packed with rich flavours. Featuring tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a delicious sauce, it's the perfect dish for busy weeknights or family dinners. Simple ingredients, big taste, and ready in no time!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 people

Calories 1148 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 mediume hot Italian sausage or any preferred sausage (chopped)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium red onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italiano optional
• salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tsp red chilli flakes
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, cook the sausages until browned, and set aside.
• In the same pan, add ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up any large pieces of beef.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
• Add the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine. Add the rest of the spices. Stir well to combine
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Turn heat to the lowest setting, cover for 5 minutes
• Serve the ground beef pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

Notes

Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 1148kcalCarbohydrates: 83gProtein: 53gFat: 67gSaturated Fat: 24gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 177mgSodium: 1509mgPotassium: 1276mgFiber: 6gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 757IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 228mgIron: 6mg

Keyword Beef, Ground Beef, Ground Beef Pasta, Pasta

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Tips for Making the Best Easy Ground Beef Pasta

• Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best as they hold the sauce well.
• Enhance the Flavor: For added depth, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine before adding the tomatoes.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep. Simply reheat and serve!

Customizing Delicious Ground Beef Pasta

This delicious ground beef pasta recipe is versatile, allowing you to tweak it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Variations

1. Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, corn, carrots, green beans, or spinach to the sauce.
2. Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a creamier, richer pasta dish.
3. Make It Spicy: Add more red chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
4. Swap the Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.

These variations ensure your pasta remains exciting and cater to different dietary needs or flavour preferences.

Why Delicious Ground Beef Pasta Is a Family Favorite

One of the reasons delicious ground beef pasta is so popular is its ability to please everyone at the table. The savoury, rich sauce pairs beautifully with the tender pasta, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s also a budget-friendly option, using pantry staples and affordable ground beef to create a filling meal.

With minimal cleanup and easy-to-follow steps, it’s an excellent recipe for busy families. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a win for meal planning.

Conclusion

This easy ground beef pasta recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity, flavour, and comfort. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough to serve for special occasions. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the suggested variations, you’ll find this dish to be a reliable favourite.

Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients and whip up this delicious, hearty pasta today. Don’t forget to top it with fresh herbs and Parmesan for the ultimate finishing touch! Share your creation with friends and family they are sure to ask for seconds!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of pasta functions best for this recipe?

Short pasta varieties like rotini, penne, or rigatoni are recommended because their ridges and hollow shapes grip the sauce well, ensuring every bite is fully coated. Long pasta like spaghetti can work in a pinch, but would not hold the chunky meat sauce as effectively.

2. Can I skip the Italian sausage and just use ground beef?

Yes, the sausage is an add on for extra depth of flavor, but the recipe works perfectly with ground beef alone. You can also swap both meats for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner version of the dish.

3. How long do leftovers keep, and do they reheat well?

This pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 90-second intervals.

4. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Absolutely. The recipe suggests diced bell peppers, zucchini, corn, carrots, green beans, or spinach, all work well stirred into the sauce. Adding veggies is a great way to boost the nutrition and stretch the dish further for larger families.

5. What are some ways to enhance the richness and flavor?

The recipe tip is to deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine before adding the tomatoes, which adds noticeable depth. Letting the sauce simmer for the full 10 minutes is also key, it allows the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings to fully meld together.