Easy Ground Beef Pasta

This Ground Beef Pasta recipe is an easy 30 minute dinner you can make with just about any pasta you have on hand. It is a simple one pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights and always a hit with the whole family.

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This is one of those easy, comforting dinners you can always rely on for busy weeknights. Everything comes together in one pan with simple ingredients, making it a great option when you want a creamy ground beef pasta without a lot of effort.

The sauce is creamy, lightly spiced, and coats every piece of pasta beautifully. Made with tomato sauce, cream, and melted cheese, it strikes that perfect balance between rich and comforting without feeling too heavy. It is the kind of pasta with ground beef that tastes familiar, cozy, and incredibly satisfying.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it keeps things simple. Everyday ingredients and one pan cooking come together to create a creamy ground beef pasta that feels comforting, flavorful, and easy enough for any night of the week.

This creamy ground beef pasta is made for real life. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients and delivers a comforting, reliable dinner that works perfectly for busy weeknights.

The creamy tomato sauce brings everything together without feeling too heavy. Ground beef adds heartiness, while the balance of cream, cheese, and seasoning keeps the sauce smooth and comforting. It is a simple pasta with ground beef that feels filling, cozy, and perfect for a homemade dinner.

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Ingredients

This ground beef pasta is made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a role in building a creamy, comforting sauce without any extra fuss.

• Pasta I use elbow macaroni for this recipe. They hold the sauce really well and make every bite nice and creamy, but other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni will also work.
• Ground beef Lean ground beef works best here and keeps the sauce rich without feeling greasy.
• Onion A simple yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks.
• Butter This builds flavor and gives the sauce a smooth, rich base.
• Garlic Garlic powder keeps things easy, but fresh minced garlic works just as well if you prefer.
• Dried thyme and oregano These add a subtle herby flavor that pairs beautifully with beef and tomato.
• Smoked paprika Just enough to add warmth and a hint of smoky depth without overpowering the sauce.
• Flour A small amount helps thicken the sauce and gives it that creamy, silky texture.
• Tomato sauce This creates the base of the sauce and keeps things smooth and balanced.
• Pasta water The starchy water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta.
• Heavy cream or half and half This is what makes the sauce creamy and comforting.
• Cheese Use a good melting cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend for the best texture.
• Salt and black pepper Simple seasoning that brings everything together.
• Fresh parsley Optional, but it adds a fresh finish right before serving.

How This Pasta Comes Together

This recipe comes together easily with just a few simple steps. Once the beef is browned, everything else builds right in the same pan for a creamy, comforting pasta dinner.

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. This gives the beef a good base to brown and build flavor. Add the ground beef, break it up as it cooks, and let it develop a little color for extra flavor. Once fully cooked, transfer the beef to a bowl and set it aside.

Once the beef is browned, bring a pot of water to a boil and salt it generously. Add the pasta and cook until tender. Before draining, reserve about a cup of the pasta water and set it aside.

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, scraping up any browned bits left from the beef.

Season the onions with salt, black pepper, garlic powder or fresh garlic, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir well and let the spices warm briefly until fragrant.

Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about one to two minutes, stirring constantly. This helps thicken the sauce and gives it a smooth, creamy texture.

Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Add the tomato sauce, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can come together.

Stir in the cream, then return the cooked ground beef to the skillet along with the cheese. Let everything simmer gently, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and fully combined.

Add the cooked pasta and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Finish with fresh parsley and serve while warm.

Tip: Let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can settle and thicken slightly.

Pro Tips

• Let the beef brown properly. Give it a moment in the pan before stirring so it develops better flavor.
• Salt the pasta water well. This seasons the pasta itself and improves the overall taste of the dish.
• Add pasta water gradually. A little at a time keeps the sauce creamy without thinning it too much.
• Use freshly grated cheese. It melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a better texture.
• Keep the heat gentle. Once the cream and cheese are added, avoid high heat so the sauce stays silky.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover ground beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream, milk, or water if the sauce needs loosening.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Elbow macaroni works especially well, but other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells will also work.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream or milk.

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Half and half works well and keeps the sauce a little lighter.

What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of melting cheeses all work great.

Can I adjust the seasoning?
Absolutely. Feel free to adjust the salt, black pepper, garlic, or smoked paprika to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.