Hearty, cheesy, and loaded with comforting flavor, this Ground Beef Pasta with Tomato Sauce is the perfect weeknight dinner. Tender pasta is tossed in a rich tomato-based meat sauce made with pantry staples, fresh aromatics, and plenty of melted Parmesan. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy one-pot recipe is a guaranteed family favorite!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Pasta:
- Quick and easy – Done in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- One-pot magic – Less mess, fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults both love it!
- Meal-prep worthy – Makes great leftovers for lunch or another dinner.
- Customizable – Swap the protein, add veggies, or spice it up.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite short shape)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ sweet onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bouillon cube (chicken or beef), crushed
- 1 can (15 oz) marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- ½ tsp kosher salt + black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
🍝 How to Make Ground Beef Pasta:
1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics:
In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, bouillon, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Brown the beef:
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Simmer the sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 8 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
5. Combine with pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
6. Add cheese and herbs:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
💡 Recipe Tips & Variations:
- Use a sturdy pasta like rigatoni, penne, rotini, or shells for best results.
- Want more veggies? Toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the onions.
- No beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils work as great alternatives.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- No marinara? Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes + a pinch of sugar and extra Italian seasoning.
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips:
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze the meat sauce separately for best texture. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and mix it in.
🧀 What to Serve With:
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- Simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
❤️ More Easy Pasta Recipes:
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
- Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Skillet Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)
- One-Pot Sausage and Pepper Pasta
This easy Ground Beef Pasta is comfort food at its best—flavorful, filling, and made with everyday ingredients. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe will hit the spot!