Ground Beef Pasta

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If you’re craving comfort food that hits all the right notes — hearty, creamy, rich, and incredibly easy to throw together — then Ground Beef Pasta is about to become your weeknight hero. This one-pan wonder brings together tender rigatoni, savory ground beef, and a luscious tomato-cream sauce, all finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan for that perfect bite. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters and still leaves enough for lunch the next day (if you’re lucky!).

Perfect for busy families or anyone needing a fuss-free dinner solution, this pasta dish doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s got the boldness of Italian-American comfort food with just the right balance of creaminess and tang. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or batch cooking for the week, Ground Beef Pasta is a reliable go-to that deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Pasta

• Quick and Easy: One pot, 30 minutes, zero stress.
• Family Friendly: Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
• Budget Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, saucy pasta = instant comfort.
• Customizable: Add mushrooms, swap beef for turkey, or throw in some spinach.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best?

Rigatoni is the star here, thanks to its large tubes and ridges that catch every drop of the rich sauce. But you can easily substitute penne, ziti, or even fusilli depending on what you have in your pantry. Just be sure to pick a pasta shape that holds up to the meat sauce and doesn’t get mushy.

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Ingredients for the Ground Beef Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building layers of flavor and richness:

• Ground Beef: The backbone of this dish. Use lean beef to avoid excess grease.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with that classic Italian aroma.
• Tomato Paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and deep color.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce and balances the cream.
• Heavy Cream: Brings the creamy element that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Beef Broth: Adds richness and keeps the sauce from drying out.
• Rigatoni Pasta: The perfect shape for soaking up all that savory sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: For that salty, nutty finish.
• Olive Oil & Butter: Used for sautéing and adding depth.
• Salt, Pepper & Italian Seasoning: The essential trio for seasoning everything just right.

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How To Make the Ground Beef Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute to develop flavor. Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Add uncooked rigatoni straight into the sauce. Stir to coat. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente (about 12-15 minutes).

Step 5: Make it Creamy

Once pasta is cooked, stir in heavy cream and a knob of butter. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Cheese and Serve

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan. Give everything a good stir and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

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Serving and Storing This Ground Beef Pasta

This recipe feeds around 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, for maximum comfort food effect. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a light green salad.

To store: Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

To freeze: Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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What to Serve With Ground Beef Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect sidekick to soak up all that extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and salty Parmesan balance the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Veggies

Think broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers roasted with olive oil and herbs.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add a refreshing, light contrast.

Red Wine

A glass of Chianti or Cabernet pairs beautifully with the savory flavors in the dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this Ground Beef Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the full dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s also a great make-ahead meal for batch cooking or busy weeks.

2. Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work just as well. Just be mindful of seasoning, as leaner meats may need a little extra flavor.

3. How do I keep the pasta from overcooking?
Keep an eye on it as it simmers in the sauce. Stir occasionally, and once the pasta is just al dente, move on to the next step to avoid mushiness.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can swap the cream for coconut milk and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavor profile will shift slightly but still be delicious.

5. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use whole milk or half-and-half as a substitute. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be tasty. For other tips like this, check out our guide on cream alternatives for pasta sauces.

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