23 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes You Need to Try (Easy, Comforting & Delicious)
If you love hearty, comforting, budget-friendly meals, you already know that ground beef and pasta are a match made in kitchen heaven. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, feeding a hungry family, or prepping meals to freeze, this combo never disappoints. Today, I’m sharing 23 ground beef pasta recipes that are flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for home cooks of any skill level.
This complete guide covers creamy pastas, one-pot meals, Italian classics, spicy twists, and unique dishes you probably haven’t tried yet. Each recipe is simple, uses affordable ingredients, and can be customized with vegetables, cheese, or seasoning blends.
So grab your skillet and let’s dive into 23 ground beef pasta recipes that deserve a spot in your weekly menu rotation!
Why Ground Beef + Pasta is the Ultimate Combo
Before we jump into the recipes, here’s why this pairing works so well:
- Budget-friendly: A single pound of ground beef can feed 4–6 people.
- Versatile: Works with spaghetti, penne, macaroni, shells, rotini, and more.
- Fast cooking: Most meals are ready in under 30 minutes.
- Comforting + hearty: Satisfying meals with rich flavors.
- Endless variations: Creamy, spicy, cheesy, baked, or one-pot options.
No matter your taste preference, you’ll find a new favorite below.
⭐ 23 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes
Below are the best 23 ground beef pasta recipes—with descriptions and variations for each.
1. Classic Ground Beef Spaghetti
A timeless favorite. Ground beef is simmered with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs until rich and flavorful. Toss with spaghetti and finish with parmesan.
Tip: Add a splash of pasta water for extra silkiness.
2. Cheesy Beef Pasta Skillet
This one-pan meal combines ground beef, tomato sauce, broth, and pasta cooked together until tender. Stir in mozzarella and cheddar for a creamy finish.
Why it works: Quick cleanup and amazing cheese pull!
3. Beef and Penne Marinara
Perfect for busy nights. Penne pasta mixed with a robust marinara sauce and browned beef. Add basil for freshness.
4. Creamy Beef Stroganoff Pasta
A pasta twist on the classic stroganoff. Use ground beef instead of steak, along with mushrooms, sour cream, and egg noodles for a comforting dish.
5. Taco Ground Beef Pasta
Season ground beef with taco seasoning, add corn, beans, salsa, and pasta shells. Top with cheddar, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Kid-approved + weeknight-friendly.
6. Lasagna-Style Beef Pasta Bake
All the flavors of lasagna without the layering. Combine pasta with ricotta, marinara, beef, and cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly.
7. Creamy Beef Alfredo Pasta
Mix sautéed beef with fettuccine and a homemade Alfredo sauce. Rich, satisfying, and restaurant-quality.
8. Ground Beef Bolognese
A deep, slow-simmered Italian meat sauce. Use carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes. Serve over tagliatelle or pappardelle.
Tip: Add milk for creaminess and authenticity.
9. One-Pot Beef Macaroni
Everything cooks in one pot—beef, macaroni, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Great for meal prep.
10. Chili Mac
Part chili, part macaroni. Ground beef, chili spices, beans, tomatoes, and elbow pasta. Top with cheese and jalapeños.
11. Beefy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A simple yet flavorful combination of ground beef, butter, garlic, parmesan, and penne. Quick and irresistible.
12. Beef and Spinach Creamy Shells
Shell pasta coated in a creamy sauce with wilted spinach and seasoned ground beef. Balanced, delicious, and easy.
13. Beef Ziti with Mozzarella
Baked ziti is made extra flavorful with seasoned ground beef. Add a layer of cheese on top and bake until melted.
14. Ground Beef Carbonara (Easy Version)
A hearty twist on traditional carbonara. Bacon, eggs, parmesan, black pepper, and ground beef turn spaghetti into a rich, satisfying meal.
15. Beef Pesto Pasta
Basil pesto pairs beautifully with ground beef. Toss with fusilli or penne and add cherry tomatoes for color.
16. Greek-Style Ground Beef Pasta
Ground beef seasoned with oregano, cinnamon, garlic, and tomatoes—served with pasta and topped with feta and parsley.
17. Cajun Beef Pasta
Spicy and creamy! Cajun spices, bell peppers, garlic, and cream create a bold flavor profile that pairs perfectly with beef.
18. Beef Ramen Stir-Fry Pasta
Swap ramen noodles for pasta if you want, or use ramen as-is. Combine with seasoned ground beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, and veggies.
19. Italian Sausage & Ground Beef Combo Pasta
Mix ground beef with a bit of Italian sausage for extra flavor. Add marinara, herbs, and pasta for a robust dish.
20. Philly Cheesesteak Ground Beef Pasta
Inspired by the famous sandwich. Ground beef, onions, peppers, garlic, and a creamy provolone sauce tossed with pasta.
21. Beef Tomato Basil Pasta
Fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and browned beef create a bright yet hearty meal.
22. Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
A mix of tomato sauce and cream with seasoned ground beef. Rich, velvety, and perfect with rotini or bow-tie pasta.
23. Mediterranean Ground Beef Pasta
Uses olives, tomatoes, herbs, garlic, and lean ground beef mixed with pasta. Light but flavorful.
Best Tips for Cooking Ground Beef Pasta Dishes
Enhance any of these 23 ground beef pasta recipes with these pro tips:
✔ Brown the meat properly
Let the beef caramelize instead of steaming—this gives deeper flavor.
✔ Use pasta water
The starch helps sauces cling beautifully.
✔ Season in layers
Salt the meat, then the sauce, then the pasta.
✔ Try different pastas
Short pastas (penne, rotini, farfalle) hold sauces better.
✔ Add veggies
Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, peas, or carrots add nutrition and texture.
✔ Choose good-quality cheese
Fresh parmesan or mozzarella melts better and tastes richer.
Helpful Variations
Here are ways to customize any of the 23 ground beef pasta recipes:
Spicy version:
Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or spicy marinara.
Creamy version:
Add cream cheese, heavy cream, or milk.
Healthier version:
Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta.
Budget-friendly version:
Use canned tomatoes, frozen veggies, and pre-shredded cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work.
2. Can I freeze ground beef pasta dishes?
Most of them freeze beautifully, especially baked pastas and one-pot meals.
3. What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Rotini, penne, and shells hold sauces well, but any pasta works.
4. How do I make the dish healthier?
Use lean beef, add veggies, or choose whole-wheat pasta.
Final Thoughts
In Conclusion, if you’ve been looking for 23 ground beef pasta recipes that are flavorful, easy, and flexible, this list gives you everything you need to start cooking. Each recipe is hearty, customizable, and perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.
