Quick & Easy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

This ground beef pasta recipe is the ultimate weeknight winner, bringing comforting Italian-inspired flavors to your table in a flash. It’s incredibly easy to make, lightning-fast, and a guaranteed family favorite. Imagine a rich, creamy, and cheesy meat sauce perfectly coating tender pasta – that’s exactly what you get. This satisfying dish is the ideal solution for busy evenings when you crave something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

You’ll adore this ground beef pasta recipe for many reasons, making it a staple in your meal rotation.

• Quick Preparation: It’s ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: Enjoy a deliciously creamy meat sauce that’s packed with savory goodness.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common, budget-friendly pantry staples you likely already have.
• Easy to Customize: Adapt it easily with your favorite vegetables or different cheeses.
• Family Favorite: This hearty dish is pure comfort food that kids and adults will both love.
• Satisfying Meal: It’s a complete meal in one pot, providing a filling and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Pasta

Creating this delicious ground beef pasta recipe starts with a few simple, wholesome ingredients.

• 1 ½ lbs. ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional – helps thicken the sauce)
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup half and half
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ pound Rotini pasta

Notes & Substitutions

Ground Beef: Use 85-90% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and less fat. You can substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a mix of ground pork and beef for a different taste profile in your ground beef pasta recipe.

Onion & Garlic: Freshly diced yellow onion and minced garlic provide the best flavor. In a pinch, you can use ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon onion powder, but fresh is recommended for a more vibrant taste.

Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, combine equal parts dried oregano, basil, thyme, and marjoram. A pinch of rosemary also works well.

Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch (mixed with a little cold water before adding) or a gluten-free flour blend. You can omit it for a thinner sauce.

Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a deep, savory umami note. Soy sauce or tamari can work as a substitute, starting with half the amount and tasting before adding more.

Tomato Sauce: Use plain tomato sauce for this recipe. Crushed tomatoes or pureed tomatoes can also work, but plain sauce typically provides the smoothest texture for this ground beef pasta recipe.

Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds savory depth. Beef broth works just as well and can enhance the beefy flavor even further. Vegetable broth is also an option.

Half and Half: This creates a creamy texture without being too heavy. Whole milk or heavy cream can be used. Whole milk will result in a slightly thinner sauce, while heavy cream will make it richer.

Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and provides the best texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make it melt unevenly. Try sharp or mild cheddar, or even a blend.

Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great for catching the sauce in its spirals. Feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, farfalle, or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces.

Equipment Needed

Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking smooth and enjoyable.

• Large skillet or Dutch oven (at least 10-inch)
• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula for stirring
• Colander for draining pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This easy ground beef pasta recipe comes together quickly with these straightforward steps.

1. Prepare Dairy: First, shred your cheddar cheese if you’re using a block and set it aside. Measure out the half and half. Allow both to come closer to room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients; this helps prevent curdling later on.
2. Brown Ground Beef: Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Once the beef is partially cooked, add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the beef. Continue cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent, which takes another 3-5 minutes.
4. Drain Fat: Carefully tilt the skillet and use a spoon to remove any excess grease from the pan. You can also use a paper towel to absorb it.
5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just 1 minute more, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
6. Build Flavor Base: Sprinkle the kosher salt and Worcestershire sauce over the beef mixture. If using, add the all-purpose flour. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the flour coats the meat and onions.
7. Cook Flour: Continue cooking the mixture for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and helping the sauce thicken properly.
8. Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth. Use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will enrich your sauce.
9. Add Tomato Sauce & Seasoning: Stir in the tomato sauce and the Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth.
10. Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. While the sauce simmers, start boiling water for your pasta.
11. Cook Pasta: In a separate large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the Rotini pasta and cook according to package directions, typically 7-9 minutes, until it is al dente.
12. Incorporate Dairy: Once the sauce has simmered, slowly whisk in the room temperature half and half. Stir continuously until it is fully incorporated into the sauce, making it creamy.
13. Melt Cheese: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This creates a wonderfully cheesy sauce for your ground beef pasta recipe.
14. Combine Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly using a colander. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce.
15. Serve Warm: Gently toss the pasta with the sauce until every strand is coated. Serve your delicious ground beef pasta recipe immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Pasta

Follow these simple tips to ensure your ground beef pasta recipe turns out perfect every time.

• Room Temperature Dairy: Always bring your half and half to room temperature before adding it to hot sauces. Understanding why milk curdles in hot, acidic environments can help ensure your sauces remain smooth and creamy. This prevents it from curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
• Freshly Shredded Cheese: Shredding your own block of cheddar cheese makes a huge difference. Pre-shredded varieties have anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly.
• Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip scraping up those browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet after cooking the beef. Learning about the rich flavors of “fond” and the technique of deglazing can significantly enhance your cooking. This step adds immense depth of flavor to your sauce.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your skillet is large enough for the ground beef. Overcrowding can steam the meat instead of browning it, reducing flavor.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook your pasta until it’s al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Personalize the flavors to your liking.
• Quality Ground Beef: Using good quality ground beef significantly impacts the overall flavor of your dish.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This versatile ground beef pasta recipe is fantastic on its own, but these ideas can elevate your meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty dish with a side of warm garlic bread with cheese for dipping into the rich sauce.
• Pair it with a simple fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Garnish individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover ground beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen pasta overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Boost the nutrition and texture by stirring in frozen peas, corn, or finely diced carrots during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce. Canned diced tomatoes, drained, also work well.
• Spice it Up: For a bit of a kick, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses! Try creamy mozzarella, salty Parmesan, or a robust Italian cheese blend for varying flavor profiles in your ground beef pasta recipe.
• Heartier Sauce: Sauté sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers with the onions for extra body and flavor.
• Creamier Texture: For an even richer and creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of half and half.

Nutrition Information

This nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients and serving size.

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. For precise calculations, we recommend using a professional nutrition calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is my ground beef pasta sauce watery?
A watery sauce usually means it didn’t simmer long enough, or you used too much liquid. Ensure you cook the flour well and let the sauce reduce for the full 15 minutes.

Can I use other types of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner alternatives. Ground pork can also add a richer flavor to this ground beef pasta recipe.

What if I don’t have half and half?
You can substitute with whole milk for a slightly thinner sauce, or heavy cream for a richer, thicker consistency. Just ensure it’s at room temperature before adding.

Can I make this a one-pot meal?
While this recipe uses two pots for best results, you can technically add uncooked pasta to the simmering sauce with extra broth. However, this may alter cooking times and sauce consistency.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Use freshly shredded cheese and add it slowly to a sauce that is on low heat, stirring constantly. Room temperature dairy also helps with smooth melting.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce entirely ahead of time. Cook the pasta separately just before serving, then combine for the best texture.

Conclusion

This quick and easy ground beef pasta recipe is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Its comforting combination of savory beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness makes it an instant family favorite. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, it consistently delivers a satisfying and delicious meal. We encourage you to try this recipe tonight – your taste buds will thank you! Let us know how it turned out and share your feedback.