Ground beef pasta is one of those meals that just never gets old. It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it comes together in under 40 minutes.
If you’ve got a pound of ground beef and a box of rigatoni, you’re already halfway there.
The real magic here is the creamy tomato sauce that coats every single tube of pasta.
It’s rich, slightly tangy, and has just the right amount of kick from the red pepper flakes.
This is the kind of dinner that makes everyone come back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Pasta
First off, it’s incredibly easy. You don’t need any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Everything comes together in one skillet while your pasta boils on the stove.
The combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and heavy cream creates the most velvety sauce you’ll ever taste.
And the parmesan on top? It takes the whole thing over the edge.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Pasta
Make sure you brown the beef properly. Don’t rush this step! Let it get nice and crispy before breaking it up.
That caramelization adds so much depth of flavor to the finished dish.
Use good quality crushed tomatoes. It really does make a difference.
Don’t skip the tomato paste either. It adds a concentrated tomato flavor that ties the whole sauce together.
When you add the heavy cream, stir it in slowly and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. This helps everything meld together beautifully.
Rigatoni is the best pasta shape here because those ridges and tubes trap all that creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this rich pasta.
You could also serve it with some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Leftovers reheat beautifully. Just add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce back up.
This ground beef pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. Trust me on that!
Ground Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Beef Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and crispy.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
- Serve immediately topped with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This ground beef pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner. It’s fast, flavorful, and the whole family will love it.
The creamy tomato sauce with savory beef and perfectly cooked rigatoni is pure comfort food at its finest.
Give this one a try and you’ll see exactly why it’s become a favorite in so many homes!
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