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Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Ground Beef Pasta

This Ground Beef Pasta is a hearty and comforting main course, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pasta shapes are tossed with a savory tomato and ground beef sauce, creating a satisfying and family-friendly meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 320 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 400 g ground beef (lean)
  • 1 medium onion, diced About 120 g
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt Plus more for pasta water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 200 ml water About ¾ cup
  • 40 g grated Parmesan cheese For serving, about ⅓ cup
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Large skillet or frying pan
  • 1 Colander
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 set Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  5. Mix in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and 200 ml of water. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for extra vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.