A hearty, family-friendly comfort meal ready in under 40 minutes
This Savory Ground Beef Pasta is rich, cozy, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying homemade meal without fuss. It’s adaptable, budget-friendly, and loved across the US, UK, and Canada.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Pasta & Protein
12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
Aromatics & Veg
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Sauce & Seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (14–15 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
½ cup beef broth or water
Finish
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes).
Drain excess fat if needed.
3️⃣ Build the Flavor
Add onion and cook until soft (3–4 minutes).
Stir in garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
4️⃣ Create the Savory Sauce
Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes.
Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until thick and rich.
5️⃣ Combine & Finish
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Remove from heat and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy.
🌿 Optional Add-Ins & Variations
Extra creamy: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese
Veg boost: Spinach, zucchini, or peas
Spicy: Add hot sauce or extra chili flakes
Cheesy bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, bake at 375°F / 190°C for 15 minutes
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette
Pair with a simple green salad
Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh herbs on top
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days
Freezer: Freezes well for up to 2 months
Reheat: Gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of water
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-pan sauce
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Kid-approved
✔ Perfect for leftovers
✔ Easy to customize