Pasta Beef Recipes – Easy, Flavorful & Comforting
Few meals are as comforting as a hearty bowl of pasta tossed with savory beef. Whether it’s a creamy beef stroganoff pasta, a spicy Italian-inspired dish, or a simple beef and tomato pasta, pasta beef recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
This recipe combines ground beef, pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce for a meal that’s satisfying, easy to prepare, and full of flavor. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and endlessly customizable—making it a staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth (or pasta water)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Cook the pasta – In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics – Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Build the sauce – Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Add beef broth or pasta water. Simmer for 12–15 minutes.
- Combine pasta & sauce – Toss cooked pasta into the beef sauce until well coated.
- Finish & serve – Top with Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley before serving.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Tips & Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add mozzarella or ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- One-Pot Version: Cook pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth for fewer dishes.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Oil: Use lean ground beef and cook without extra oil.
- Gluten-Free: Swap pasta for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace pasta with shirataki noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Sugar-Free: Ensure canned tomatoes have no added sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta beef recipe pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s simple yet bursting with flavor. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is always a winner.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Q2: Can I freeze pasta beef recipes?
Absolutely. Freeze the beef sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Q3: What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds sauce well, but spaghetti and linguine also work.
Q4: Can I make it creamy?
Yes! Add ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce before tossing with pasta.
Q5: How can I reduce calories?
Use whole wheat pasta, lean beef, and less cheese for a lighter version.
