Name: Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 3 cloves garlic grated or minced; 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley chopped; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Pinch of red pepper flakes; 2 cups low sodium beef broth; 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional); 8 ounces pasta; 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)

Nothing beats a hearty, saucy pasta that warms you up and fills your kitchen with cozy aromas. This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe combines rich, savory flavors with just the right touch of herbs and a creamy finish that makes every bite so satisfying. It’s one of those meals you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

A large silver pan is filled with a thick stew of orange-red rotini pasta mixed with a rich brown meat sauce. The dish is topped with finely grated white cheese and scattered bright green parsley leaves. A wooden spoon lifts some of the pasta and sauce, showing the textured spirals covered in sauce and small bits of ground meat. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of grated cheese and fresh parsley nearby, along with a white cloth in the background. 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 my fair share of pasta dishes, but this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe stands out because it’s so straightforward yet brings that depth of flavor you usually get at a restaurant. It’s quick enough for weeknights but cozy enough for a weekend treat.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand, making it super easy to pull together anytime.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan—less mess, less stress, and more time to enjoy your meal.
Balanced Flavors: The Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes give a perfect savory kick without overpowering the beef and tomato base.
Customizable Creaminess: Add Greek yogurt or heavy cream at the end to adjust the sauce to your preferred richness.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because each ingredient plays a role in delivering comfort with some layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend using fresh parsley and good-quality crushed tomatoes — they make a surprising difference.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced yellow onion, three whole cloves of garlic with papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped flat leaf parsley, a small white ceramic bowl containing Italian seasoning herbs, a pinch of vibrant red pepper flakes on the white marble surface, a small white ceramic bowl of rich beef broth, a simple white ceramic bowl heaped with crushed ripe red tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl with dark balsamic vinegar, uncooked fusilli pasta arranged neatly in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding creamy plain Greek yogurt, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed 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: Provides a flavorful base to brown the beef and soften the aromatics.
Lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein without excess grease, which keeps the sauce rich but not oily.
Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed alongside garlic.
Garlic: Essential aromatic for that classic Italian vibe.
Flat leaf parsley: Freshness that brightens and balances the beefy richness.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to give that authentic, comforting profile.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a subtle kick and complexity.
Beef broth (low sodium): Adds umami and helps cook the pasta right in the sauce.
Crushed tomatoes: The saucy heart of the dish—with acidity and sweetness all in one.
Balsamic vinegar (optional): A subtle touch that lifts the sauce with its mild tanginess.
Pasta (your choice): It soaks up all the flavors while cooking, saving you an extra step.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for creaminess and umami punch.
Plain Greek yogurt (optional): Adds a creamy tang without heaviness when stirred in at the end.

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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 adapt to whatever you have on hand or want to eat. Feel free to make it spicier, creamier, or add extra veggies.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the beef for ground turkey or mix in some chopped mushrooms for an earthy twist that stretches the meal further.
Spice level: If you’re serving kids, hold back on the red pepper flakes, and add fresh basil or oregano for flavor instead.
Veggie boost: Toss in diced bell peppers or zucchini with the onions for a little color and nutrition.
Dairy-free option: Skip the parmesan and yogurt or use a vegan cheese substitute; it’s still delicious!

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

A white bowl filled with a single layer of rotini pasta coated in a rich red-brown meat sauce with visible small chunks of ground meat. The pasta is topped with a light sprinkle of finely grated white cheese and scattered green parsley leaves for contrast. A silver fork tines-down is partially buried in the pasta on the left side of the bowl. In the background, a white marbled surface holds a white dish filled with shredded cheese and a glimpse of a larger pan of the same pasta dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the beef and aromatics until golden

Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and crumble it with a wooden spoon. When the beef is starting to brown but not fully cooked, add diced onions and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Keep stirring so the beef breaks up and the onions turn translucent—this step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Build the sauce and add the pasta

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Toss in the chopped parsley, but set some aside for garnish later. Stir everything well, then add your pasta straight into the sauce. Make sure it’s fully submerged so it cooks evenly and absorbs all that delicious liquid.

Step 3: Simmer until pasta is perfectly tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Let it simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. It usually takes 15–20 minutes for the pasta to cook al dente right in the sauce—keep an eye on the texture and add an extra splash of broth if it thickens too much before the pasta is done.

Step 4: Finish with cheese and creaminess

Once the pasta is tender, remove your pan from heat. Stir in shredded parmesan cheese and, if you’re using it, room-temperature Greek yogurt. This step transforms the sauce into a silky, rich, and tangy masterpiece. Give it a taste and adjust salt or pepper as you like.

Top Tip

From my experience cooking this recipe several times, I’ve found a few tricks that really help the dish shine and make your cooking smoother:

Brown the beef well: Taking time to get a good sear on the beef adds depth of flavor and prevents a stewy finish.
Don’t rush simmering: Let the pasta cook fully in the sauce while stirring often to avoid sticking and ensure it soaks up all the tasty juices.
Add yogurt last with care: Make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing it in so it blends smoothly—cold yogurt can separate or become grainy.
Adjust thickness with broth: If your sauce gets too thick too soon, add small amounts of broth rather than water to keep richness intact.

How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this pasta with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for that pop of vibrant color and extra flavor. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed chili flakes to amp up the experience.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal balanced, I like pairing it with a crisp simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or garlic green beans. Garlic bread works too if you want something more indulgent!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta layered in a pretty casserole dish topped with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Ground Beef Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, though the texture of the pasta softens—still tasty but best reheated gently.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta successfully. Just cool it completely, then pack it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just cover to keep moisture in and stir halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta in this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can use penne, rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti—just keep an eye on cooking times as different shapes vary slightly.

Is Greek yogurt necessary in the recipe?

No, the Greek yogurt is optional and used to add creaminess and tang. If you prefer, you can substitute it with heavy cream or skip it altogether for a more traditional tomato sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. You might want to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian version.

How can I thicken the sauce if it feels too watery?

Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, or sprinkle in a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) a teaspoon at a time, stirring until your desired thickness is reached.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is a true kitchen treasure for me. It’s unpretentious but delivers big on comfort and flavor, perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying homemade meal without fuss. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again, warming your heart and your belly.