This Easy Ground Beef Pasta is a simple and hearty meal perfect for dinner. It combines ground beef, pasta, and a tasty sauce that brings everything together.
I love making this dish when I’m short on time but want something filling. It’s quick, easy to cook, and always a hit with my family—just serve with some garlic bread on the side, yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend penne or rotini for their ability to hold onto sauce. If gluten-free is what you need, just swap in gluten-free pasta, and it will work just as well!
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is my go-to for this recipe, but you could replace it with ground turkey or even plant-based meat for a lighter option.
Onion: While I like yellow onions for their sweetness, you can use shallots or green onions if you have them on hand. They add a nice flavor too.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient, but fresh tomatoes can be used if you chop them finely. Just peel and seed them first!
How Do You Make Sure Your Ground Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef might seem straightforward, but there are a few tips to ensure it’s done right!
- Always preheat your skillet to medium heat before adding the beef. It helps to brown the meat nicely.
- Break the meat into smaller pieces as you cook. This promotes even cooking and better texture.
- Use a meat thermometer if you want to be certain; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked ground beef for your pasta dish every time!
Easy Ground Beef Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (about 340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Ground Beef Pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Then, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells amazing!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is brown and no longer pink—this should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
4. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy), and some salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes to let all those flavors meld together.
5. Combine with Pasta:
Once your sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently so each piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta hot right from the skillet. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a lovely touch!
Enjoy your Easy Ground Beef Pasta—a simple recipe you can whip up in no time!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef Pasta
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package since cooking times may vary!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this recipe! Each will bring a unique flavor to the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Pasta Dish?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
