Pasta and ground beef are two ingredients that have been enjoyed in a variety of dishes around the world. From classic Italian spaghetti bolognese to American-style beef stroganoff, these two ingredients perfectly create a satisfying meal many love.
One of the reasons why Pasta and ground beef are a popular combination is because they are both affordable and easy to find. Ground beef is a staple ingredient in many households, and Pasta is a versatile pantry item you can use in various recipes.
If you’re looking for new and exciting ways to incorporate Pasta and ground beef into your meals, this post is for you. This article will provide creative pasta ideas that use ground beef as the main ingredient. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian dishes or prefer to experiment with international flavors, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s start and discover some delicious pasta dishes you can enjoy with ground beef!
How to Make Pasta with Ground Beef
Making pasta with ground beef is a simple and delicious meal that you can customize to your liking. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- One onion, chopped
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- One can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- One teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef in a large skillet until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
You can customize this basic recipe by adding additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini or using a different pasta type.
What ingredients do I need to make ground beef pasta?
To make ground beef pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, etc.)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Canned diced tomatoes or rich tomato sauce
- Italian seasoning (or a combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil (or any cooking oil)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Meat sauce
You can also add ingredients to the recipe to suit your preferences, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables.
Classic Pasta and Ground Beef Dishes
Regarding classic pasta dishes made with ground beef, two immediately come to mind: spaghetti Bolognese and lasagna. Spaghetti Bolognese is a traditional Italian dish with noodles topped with a meaty tomato sauce made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and herbs. On the other hand, lasagna is a layered pasta dish with lasagna noodles, tomato sauce, ground beef, and a creamy cheese mixture. These dishes are beloved around the world for their hearty and comforting flavors.
While these classic pasta dishes are delicious, there are ways to make them more exciting and unique. For example, add some diced vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to your Bolognese sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Or, swap out the traditional lasagna noodles for zucchini noodles or sweet potato noodles for a healthier twist.
Additionally, experiment with different herbs and spices to add a personal touch to your dishes. You can spin these classic dishes with some creativity and make them even more delicious.
Creative Pasta and Ground Beef Ideas
If you’re looking to switch up your pasta game and try something new, here are some unique and lesser-known pasta dishes featuring ground beef:
Beef Stroganoff Pasta:
This dish takes the classic beef stroganoff and gives it a pasta twist. It features egg noodles, tender strips of beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sour cream sauce. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for colder nights.
Korean Beef and Noodle Stir Fry:
This dish is a fusion of Korean and Italian cuisine. It features thin spaghetti noodles, ground beef marinated in a spicy Korean sauce, and plenty of veggies like bell peppers and green onions. It’s a quick and easy meal packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
Cheesy Beef and Rotini Bake:
This cheesy and comforting casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd. It features rotini pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. It’s baked in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.
Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
Hare the creamy Ground beef pasta recipe you can change any ingredients by your choice.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound pasta (penne or any other short pasta)
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- One medium onion, chopped
- Three cloves garlic, minced
- One can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- One teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, cook until browned and no longer pink, and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream and dried basil. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy beef sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your delicious creamy beef pasta!
Healthier Pasta and Ground Beef Options
Pasta and ground beef dishes can be indulgent and delicious but can also be loaded with calories and unhealthy ingredients. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make these dishes healthier without sacrificing flavor. One way to do this is by using leaner beef, such as ground sirloin or turkey. Another option is to swap out traditional Pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.
Additionally, adding more vegetables to your dishes can increase their nutritional value and help you get your daily servings of veggies.
Classic Pasta and Ground Beef Dishes
Here are some recipe suggestions for healthier versions of classic Pasta and ground beef dishes:
Turkey Bolognese:
Use ground turkey instead of beef in your spaghetti Bolognese for a leaner protein source. Add in diced carrots, celery, and zucchini to boost the nutrition and flavor of the dish.
Whole Wheat Lasagna:
Use whole wheat lasagna noodles instead of traditional noodles to increase your lasagna’s fiber and nutrient content—layer with ground beef, spinach, and a low-fat ricotta cheese mixture.
Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs:
Replace traditional spaghetti noodles with roasted squash for a lower-carb, lower-calorie option. Serve with homemade meatballs made with lean ground beef or turkey and plenty of diced veggies like onions and bell peppers.
By making these small changes to your Pasta and ground beef dishes, you can enjoy all the flavors you love while maintaining a healthy diet.
Quick and Easy Pasta and Ground Beef Recipes
Sometimes, we only have a little time to spend in the kitchen, but we can still enjoy delicious Pasta and ground beef dishes. Here are some quick and easy recipes to try:
One-Pot Ground Beef and Macaroni:
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you only have a little time to clean up after dinner. Brown ground beef in a large pot, then add macaroni noodles, diced tomatoes, and plenty of seasoning. Cook until the Pasta is tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful.
Beef and Broccoli Noodles:
This dish is a twist on classic beef and broccoli stir-fry. Instead of serving it over rice, use noodles like spaghetti or udon for a fun change. Brown ground beef in a large skillet, then add broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, and a simple soy sauce and honey sauce. Serve over cooked noodles.
Italian Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta:
This dish is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Italy. Brown ground beef in a large skillet, then add in canned diced tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Serve over cooked bowtie pasta and top with Parmesan cheese.
To make the One-Pot Ground Beef and Macaroni, brown ground beef in a large pot. Add macaroni noodles, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and plenty of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until the Pasta is tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful.
To make the Beef and Broccoli Noodles, brown ground beef in a large skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and broccoli florets, and stir until veggies are tender. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies, and stir until everything is coated. Serve over cooked noodles.
To make the Italian Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta, brown ground beef in a large skillet. Add canned diced tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer until the flavors are well combined. Serve over cooked bowtie pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Budget-Friendly Pasta and Ground Beef Recipes
Pasta and ground beef dishes can be budget-friendly and still taste delicious. Here are some recipes that won’t break the bank:
Spaghetti and Beef Meatballs: This classic dish is a favorite. Use ground beef to make homemade meatballs, then serve with spaghetti and your favorite marinara sauce.
Beef and Noodle Casserole: This casserole is hearty, filling, and easy on the wallet—brown ground beef combined with cooked egg noodles, canned tomato soup, and plenty of cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Penne with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce: This dish is simple and satisfying. Brown ground beef in a large skillet, then add canned tomato sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Serve over cooked penne pasta and top with Parmesan cheese.
Spaghetti and Beef Meatballs:
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
- Form into meatballs and bake until browned and cooked through.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions and serve with the meatballs and your favorite marinara sauce.
Beef and Noodle Casserole: Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet. Add in cooked egg noodles, canned tomato soup, and shredded cheese. Transfer to a baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly.
Penne with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce: Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Add canned tomato sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer until the flavors are well combined. Serve over cooked penne pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Pasta and Ground Beef Recipes for Special Occasions
A. Pasta and ground beef dishes can also be dressed up for special occasions or entertaining guests. Here are some recipes that are sure to impress:
Beef and Mushroom Stuffed Shells: These stuffed shells are filled with ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, ricotta cheese, and spinach. Top with tomato sauce and plenty of mozzarella cheese before baking until bubbly and golden.
Rigatoni with Beef Ragu: This hearty and flavorful dish features a rich beef ragu made with ground beef, crushed tomatoes, red wine, and aromatic herbs. Serve over rigatoni pasta and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Beef and Spinach Manicotti: This dish is elegant and delicious—stuff-cooked manicotti shells with ground beef, sautéed spinach, and ricotta cheese. Top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake until hot and bubbly.
Beef and Mushroom Stuffed Shells: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions. Brown ground beef in a skillet, then add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, ricotta cheese, and seasonings. Stuff the shells with the mixture, then top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Rigatoni with Beef Ragu: Brown ground beef in a large pot; add onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, red wine, and herbs. Let simmer until the sauce is thick and flavorful. Serve over cooked rigatoni pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Beef and Spinach Manicotti: cook manicotti shells according to package directions. Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet, then add sautéed spinach, ricotta cheese, and seasonings. Stuff the shells with the mixture, then top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly.
What type of pasta is best to use in ground beef pasta recipes?
The type of pasta you use in your ground beef pasta recipe is essentially a matter of personal preference. However, some pasta shapes work better with certain sauces than others. For example, long and thin pasta like spaghetti and linguine are often paired with tomato-based sauces, while short and tube-shaped pasta like penne and rigatoni work well with thicker and chunkier sauces.
For ground beef pasta recipes, short and tube-shaped pasta like penne, rigatoni, and ziti are excellent choices as they can easily hold the chunks of ground beef and other ingredients. However, depending on the recipe and preference, you can use different pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or rotini. Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose the type of pasta that you enjoy the most with ground beef and the sauce you’re using.
Conclusion
In summary, pasta and ground beef is a classic and popular combination you can enjoy in many ways. There are endless possibilities, from traditional dishes like spaghetti Bolognese and lasagna to unique and creative recipes like Korean Beef, Noodle Stir Fry, and Beef Stroganoff Pasta.
Additionally, we’ve shared tips on how to make these dishes healthier and more budget-friendly, as well as recipes for special occasions and quick weeknight meals. We encourage readers to try these recipes at home and experiment with their Pasta and ground beef creations.
Thank you for reading, and please feel free to leave comments or share your recipe ideas. Happy cooking!