Name: Weeknight Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 ounces pasta (rigatoni or your choice); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 6 cloves garlic, diced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 16 ounces ground beef; 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes; 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes; Pinch of baking soda; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; Parmesan cheese, for serving; Fresh chopped parsley, for serving

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

If you’re hunting for a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, this Weeknight Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, bursting with the robust flavors of caramelized onions, garlic, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. It’s the kind of dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight but comforting enough to make you forget you’re even on a schedule. Every bite delivers a delightful harmony of textures and tastes that come together effortlessly with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several cooking ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white plate with a rectangular block of raw ground meat, red in color with a textured surface. Below the plate, a white pot holds large, tube-shaped pasta, pale yellow with smooth ridges. To the right, there is an open can of chunky red tomato sauce with visible herbs, and above it a clear glass measuring cup filled with white cream. To the upper right, a small white bowl contains minced garlic mixed with green herbs. Above the pasta, there is a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil. To the left, another small white bowl holds bright red tomato paste, and next to it, a larger white bowl is filled with finely chopped white onions. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Weeknight Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe just right is all about using simple but essential ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the al dente pasta to the creamy Parmesan finish, these components create layers of taste and satisfy every craving.

16 ounces pasta: Choose rigatoni or your favorite shape to hold onto the delicious sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a fruity richness to the base.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized.
6 cloves garlic, diced: Brings a fragrant, savory kick that’s irresistible.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that evokes classic Italian flavors.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
16 ounces ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this meal truly fulfilling.
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes: Provides a smooth, tangy base for the sauce.
14.5 ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes: Adds a smoky, bold complexity.
Pinch of baking soda: Balances acidity and enhances the sauce’s smoothness.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture we all love.
4 ounces shredded Parmesan: For sharp, nutty flavor that melts gloriously into the sauce.
Kosher salt: Heightens all the flavors without overwhelming.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds subtle heat and brightness.
Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley: Perfect finishing touches for garnishing.

How to Make Weeknight Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right amount of bite to hold up beneath the rich sauce later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion along with a pinch of salt and fresh cracked pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until the onions caramelize slightly, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds a flavorful base by drawing out the sweetness in the onions.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add the diced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste to the pan with the onions. Stir constantly for about a minute so the tomato paste cooks out its raw edge and the garlic becomes fragrant, marrying all the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Create a little well in the center of your pan by pushing the vegetables aside, then add the ground beef. Cook it by breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. The meat juices will help deglaze the pan, picking up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom — those are pure flavor gold.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, a pinch of baking soda, and a few generous pinches of salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan, letting it simmer softly for 10 minutes. This will marry all the flavors and soften the tomatoes down to a rich, satisfying sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and cook just until it’s warmed through and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — this step adds that irresistible creamy texture and sharp cheesy note that defines this Weeknight Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta and toss it directly into the pan with the sauce. Make sure every piece gets an even coating of that luscious sauce. This hands-on step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and silky texture.

Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the dish just before serving. These bright, fresh touches lift the entire meal and make it feel extra special — even on a weeknight!

How to Serve Weeknight Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

The image shows a white pot with two handles on a white marbled surface, filled with two layers: the bottom layer is a rich red tomato sauce, slightly visible around the edges; the top layer is a thick spread of pale yellow rigatoni pasta pieces placed loosely over the sauce, with their tube openings and ribbed textures clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes can elevate your plate. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a crisp bite, while extra Parmesan provides a salty, creamy finish. For an extra touch, a few red pepper flakes can bring a gentle heat that awakens the palate.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or some garlic bread to sop up every last bit of that incredible sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also complement the flavors and add a healthy touch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the pasta in shallow wide bowls that showcase the sauce pool and garnishes. A drizzle of good quality olive oil over the top or a little sprinkle of fresh basil leaves can also heighten the visual and flavor appeal, making your dinner feel restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from the Weeknight Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as satisfying.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well if you want to store it longer. Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir gently until warmed through to keep the sauce silky and fresh-tasting without drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works wonderfully because of its shape, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s perfectly al dente for your taste.

Is ground beef the only meat that works here?

Not at all. Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute can be swapped in to make the dish lighter or fit dietary preferences without compromising the delicious sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can add creaminess with a slight twist in flavor.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Adding red pepper flakes during the sautéing of the aromatics or stirring in some hot sauce with the tomatoes will give the dish a nice spicy kick that doesn’t overpower the comforting flavors.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too acidic?

The pinch of baking soda is the secret here — it helps neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes, giving you a smoother, more balanced sauce every time. Make sure not to skip this step!

Final Thoughts

This Weeknight Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe truly stands out as a go-to meal that feels like a special occasion but comes together quickly and easily. Its perfectly balanced flavors and comforting texture make it an absolute winner any night of the week. I genuinely hope you try it soon and fall in love with its cozy charm just like I did!