If you love easy dinners that taste like they came straight from a restaurant, this Marry Me Ground Beef Pasta is about to become your new favorite. Made in just one pot, it combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce loaded with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
It’s the kind of comforting, flavor-packed meal that feels special enough for guests—but simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under an hour
- One-pot meal – Less cleanup, more convenience
- Rich and creamy – Packed with bold, comforting flavors
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for weeknights or entertaining
This is comfort food with a gourmet twist.
What Makes This Pasta Special?
This dish stands out thanks to its perfect balance of:
- Savory ground beef seasoned with herbs and spices
- Creamy, garlicky sauce enriched with Parmesan
- Sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy depth
- One-pot cooking method that infuses every bite with flavor
The result? A silky, hearty pasta that tastes incredible with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb ground beef
- 1.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1.5 tsp dried thyme
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 14 oz orecchiette pasta
- 2.75 cups beef broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
How to Make Marry Me Ground Beef Pasta
1. Prep your ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the sun-dried tomatoes, grate the Parmesan, and chop the basil. Set everything aside.
2. Brown the beef
Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
3. Build the flavor base
Reduce heat to medium.
Stir in tomato paste, black pepper, chili flakes, thyme, and smoked paprika.
Cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
4. Add aromatics
Add the diced onion and garlic.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Cook pasta in the sauce
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
Add the orecchiette pasta and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
6. Make it creamy
Reduce heat to low.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
7. Finish and serve
Add fresh basil and gently mix.
Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Tips for Best Results
- Add cream at the end to prevent curdling
- Stir pasta occasionally to avoid sticking
- Don’t overcook the pasta—keep it tender
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best texture
What to Serve With It
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- A glass of red wine
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
Reheat:
Add a splash of broth or cream and warm gently on the stove or microwave.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal—rich, creamy, and full of bold flavor. It’s easy enough for everyday cooking but impressive enough to serve to guests.