There’s something wonderfully comforting about a one-pot meal that fills the kitchen with rich, savory aromas—this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is exactly that. It’s a hearty, simple dish that comes together quickly yet delivers deep, satisfying flavors that you’ll want to make again and again.

A large silver pan filled with a thick mixed dish of spiraled pasta and chunky red tomato sauce with browned ground meat, topped with small green parsley leaves and sprinkled with fine white cheese shreds. A wooden spoon inside the pan lifts a scoop of the pasta mixture. The pan is on a white marbled surface with some green parsley sprigs scattered nearby and a small bowl with shredded white cheese in the upper left. A soft white cloth lies folded in the upper right corner. 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

I’ve made this ground beef pasta recipe countless times, especially on those nights where pulling off something quick yet nourishing feels like a superpower. The sauce is rich and deeply flavorful without fuss, and cooking the pasta directly in the sauce means every bite soaks up all that deliciousness.

One-pot ease: No multiple pots or pans to wash later—everything cooks together, making dinner time so much simpler.
Flavor-packed sauce: Using crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and a hint of balsamic vinegar creates a rich and balanced sauce that tastes layered and homemade.
Customizable and flexible: You can adjust the heat with red pepper flakes, swap pasta shapes, or add in veggies—making it perfect for your preferences.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s a familiar, cozy dish that brings back good memories, great for family meals or when you want something satisfying fast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a key role in building flavor and texture. The lean ground beef browns beautifully and combines with savory herbs, while the beef broth and tomatoes create a saucy base that the pasta absorbs perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need and why each part matters.

Flat lay of lean ground beef shaped loosely in a pile, a small drizzle of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, a handful of diced yellow onion pieces, three whole cloves of fresh garlic with papery skin intact, a small bunch of vibrant flat leaf parsley sprigs, a sprinkling of dried Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes placed separately on the surface, a small white bowl filled with rich red crushed tomatoes, another small white bowl holding dark brown beef broth, one whole uncracked brown egg (to represent freshness), a neat pile of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, a small white bowl with shredded parmesan cheese, and a small white bowl containing creamy plain Greek yogurt, each ingredient distinct and naturally fresh, perfectly arranged with symmetry 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: The base for sautéing everything, it adds richness and helps brown the beef properly.
Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a meaty flavor without too much grease.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened in the pan.
Garlic: Gives that aromatic punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
Flat leaf parsley: Freshens up the dish and adds a pop of green color.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil for classic Italian flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to give a gentle warmth without overpowering.
Beef broth (low sodium): Enhances the savory depth of the sauce without turning it salty.
Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, offering a tangy, rich tomato flavor with a little texture.
Balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds subtle acidity and sweetness, balancing the sauce nicely.
Pasta: Use your favorite shape; smaller ones like penne or rigatoni hold sauce nicely.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish that melts into the sauce.
Plain Greek yogurt (optional): Stirred in at the end, it creates a creamy texture without heaviness.

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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

One of my favorite things about this ground beef pasta recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to spice it up, lighten it, or throw in an extra veggie or two, it’s super forgiving and flexible to match your needs.

Variation: I once tried adding chopped mushrooms and bell peppers for extra texture and it turned out fantastic—you won’t miss anything with those additions.
Spice it up: For a little extra kick, try doubling the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of smoked paprika.
Dairy-free swap: Leave out the Greek yogurt and Parmesan, or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it creamy.
Gluten-free pasta: This recipe works beautifully with gluten-free noodles; just watch the cooking time as it varies.

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

A white bowl filled with spiral pasta mixed with a rich tomato meat sauce, the pasta is orange-red and coated evenly with the sauce. Small chunks of browned ground meat are spread throughout the dish. On top, shredded white cheese and green parsley leaves are sprinkled, adding contrast. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the left side. In the background, there is a large pan also filled with the same pasta and sauce, set on a white marbled surface with some green parsley around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté The Beef and Aromatics

Heat your olive oil in a deep skillet or large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef and start crumbling it with your spoon or spatula. When the beef’s just starting to brown but not fully cooked, toss in the diced onion and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper here—it helps build layers of flavor as everything cooks together. Keep stirring until the beef has lost all its pink, and the onion is soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Build The Sauce and Seasonings

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for those classic Italian vibes with a bit of heat. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and the chopped parsley—save some parsley for garnish later! Give everything a good stir so the sauce comes together and the flavors start melding nicely.

Step 3: Cook The Pasta In The Sauce

Add the pasta right into the skillet, making sure it’s fully submerged. This step always feels a bit magical to me because the pasta soaks up all these savory flavors as it cooks. Bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring often so the pasta doesn't stick. If the sauce thickens too quickly before the pasta is done, just add a splash of extra broth to keep things saucy.

Step 4: Finish With Cheese and Creaminess

Once the pasta’s al dente and the sauce looks luscious, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and, if you’re using it, the Greek yogurt for a creamy finish. I like to use full-fat Greek yogurt at room temperature to avoid any grainy texture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed, then sprinkle with extra Parmesan and reserved parsley before serving.

Top Tip

I’ve found a few little tweaks make this ground beef pasta recipe even better every time. These tips come from cooking it for friends and family, tweaking, and learning what really makes the flavors pop and the texture just right.

Brown the beef well: Taking the time to properly brown the ground beef before adding other ingredients adds a deep, nutty flavor that makes a big difference.
Don’t rush simmering: Letting the pasta cook gently in the sauce really allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to soak up the sauce’s richness.
Stir often: This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom and helps cook it evenly.
Use full-fat yogurt at room temp: If adding Greek yogurt, warming it slightly before stirring avoids curdling and keeps the sauce silky.

How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for that lovely salty finish. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes if I want to turn up the heat at the table.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or some garlic bread for mopping up all that sauce. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, also make a great accompaniment if you want to sneak in some extra veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I like to bowl this up family-style in a rustic ceramic dish, doubling the parsley garnish and serving with rustic bread slices. For a cozier date night, plating individual portions in deep pasta bowls and adding a little fresh basil on top adds a touch of elegance without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion out what we’ll eat the next day so reheating is easy and the pasta doesn’t dry out in the fridge.

Freezing

This ground beef pasta recipe freezes nicely if you want to prep in advance. Just cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying. Stir frequently so it warms evenly and tastes just like fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat for this ground beef pasta recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef provides great flavor, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to make sure the meat is fully cooked.

What pasta shapes work best in this recipe?

This recipe is quite forgiving! While I usually use penne or rigatoni because they hold the sauce well, feel free to use any shapes you love, like fusilli or shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it can vary between pasta types.

Is Greek yogurt necessary, or can I skip it?

Greek yogurt is optional and adds a lovely creamy texture and a little tang, but the recipe tastes great without it too. If you want creaminess without yogurt, a splash of heavy cream stirred in at the end works beautifully as well.

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

Stirring frequently is key to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Also, ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan; if the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is done, simply add a bit of broth or water.

Final Thoughts

This ground beef pasta recipe is one of those dishes that’s managed to sneak into my regular rotation because it hits all the right notes: easy prep, hearty comfort, and flexibility. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, savoring that delicious sauce and cozy vibes it brings to your table. Trust me, once you try cooking the pasta right in the sauce, you’ll wonder how you ever did it any other way.