Delicious Ground Beef Pasta

This hearty ground beef pasta has been my weeknight dinner savior for years. It combines the comforting flavors of a homemade pasta sauce with the convenience of a one-pot meal, perfect for busy evenings when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first created this recipe when my children were small and time was precious. What began as a necessity has become our family favorite that everyone requests at least once a week, even as the kids have grown older.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides rich protein and savory flavor. Choose 85% lean for the best balance of flavor and less grease.
• Pasta: Any shape works but shorter varieties like penne or rotini hold the sauce better. Look for bronze die cut pasta for better sauce adhesion.
• Diced tomatoes: Bring acidity and texture. San Marzano variety offers superior flavor if available.
• Tomato sauce: Creates the base for our quick sauce. Choose a brand without added sugar for best results.
• Beef broth: Adds depth and helps cook the pasta to perfection. Homemade is wonderful but a good quality store bought works beautifully.
• Onion and garlic: Form the aromatic base. Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Offers convenience with balanced herbs. A good quality blend should have visible herb pieces not just powder.
• Salt and pepper: To taste always adjust according to your preference and the sodium content of your broth.
• Parmesan cheese: Optional but highly recommended for that umami finish. Freshly grated tastes infinitely better than pre grated varieties.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until no pink remains, about 7 minutes. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks for even browning. The caramelization adds tremendous flavor so resist the urge to stir constantly.

Add Aromatics:

Incorporate the diced onion and minced garlic into the browned meat and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Watch closely as garlic can burn quickly and become bitter. The onions should become translucent and slightly golden for best flavor.

Mix in Tomatoes:

Pour the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the pot. Stir well to incorporate all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These caramelized pieces contain concentrated flavor that enriches your sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add Pasta:

Once simmering, add your dry pasta directly to the pot along with the Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly to ensure all pasta is submerged in liquid. This direct cooking method allows the pasta to absorb the savory flavors as it cooks.

Cook Until Tender:

Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Test a piece of pasta at the 10 minute mark. It should be al dente tender with a slight bite. The sauce will continue thickening as it stands.

Season and Serve:

Taste the finished dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The flavor should be well balanced with no single element dominating. Serve immediately in warmed bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Save

The beef broth is my secret ingredient that transforms this from a basic meat sauce to something special. My grandmother taught me this trick when I was just learning to cook, explaining that the broth creates a richer flavor foundation than water ever could. Her wisdom lives on in this recipe, which has now spanned three generations of family dinners.

Make It Ahead

This pasta dish actually improves with a little time, making it perfect for meal preparation. Cook the entire recipe, allow it to cool completely, then portion into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making next day leftovers something to look forward to rather than merely tolerate.

Smart Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option, though you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning leaner meats. Gluten free pasta works wonderfully but typically absorbs more liquid, so add an extra quarter cup of broth. For vegetarians, plant based ground meat alternatives or even a can of rinsed and drained lentils create a satisfying meal. No beef broth? Vegetable broth or even chicken broth makes a fine substitute with slightly altered but still delicious results.

Nutritional Boosts

Transform this comfort food into a nutritional powerhouse with smart additions. Finely diced carrots and celery added with the onions increase vegetable content without changing the family friendly appeal. A handful of baby spinach or kale stirred in during the final minute of cooking wilts perfectly and adds vibrant color and nutrients. For extra fiber, substitute half the pasta with whole grain varieties. My children never notice when I make these small adjustments, but their bodies benefit from the added nutrition while still enjoying their favorite meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work wonderfully as substitutes for ground beef. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish. If using leaner meats like turkey or chicken, you might want to add a little olive oil when browning to enhance moisture and flavor.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this vegetarian, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, mushrooms (about 16 oz chopped), or a combination of firm tofu and walnuts for texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and consider adding extra vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for heartiness.

→ Can this be made ahead and reheated?

Yes! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid while stored.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

This beef pasta freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. For best texture, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little liquid to refresh the sauce.

→ How can I make this dish more nutritious?

To boost the nutritional value, use whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or spinach. You can also mix in beans like kidney or cannellini for additional protein and fiber. Using lean ground beef (90% or leaner) will reduce the fat content.

→ What can I use if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Make your own Italian seasoning blend with equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme. You can also add a pinch of rosemary and marjoram if available. Alternatively, fresh herbs work wonderfully—use 1 tablespoon fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried called for in the recipe.