Ground beef and pasta are staple ingredients that most of us have on hand. When combined, they make for quick, budget-friendly, and hearty meals that both kids and adults love. If you’re looking for new ways to use ground beef and pasta beyond the usual spaghetti and meatballs or hamburger helper, there are lots of delicious options.
Here are 25 amazing recipes to make with ground beef and pasta
1. Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic way to use ground beef and pasta. You can make it with regular lasagna noodles or use a shortcut version with ravioli. Layer the noodles with a meaty tomato sauce gooey mozzarella and creamy ricotta for a satisfying meal.
2. Pasta Bake
For an easy weeknight dinner, toss cooked pasta with ground beef, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese then bake until bubbly. Add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to pack extra nutrition.
3. Skillet Pasta
Cook pasta right in the skillet with ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings for a fast one-pan meal. Great options include spaghetti, farfalle, or penne.
4. Stuffed Shells or Manicotti
Fill jumbo pasta shells or manicotti tubes with a cheesy ground beef mixture and top with marinara sauce for a handheld meal.
5. Meatballs and Pasta
Simmer homemade beef meatballs in tomato sauce then serve over spaghetti for a hearty dish the whole family will love.
6. Pasta Pie
For a fun twist, press cooked spaghetti and cooked ground beef into a pie plate, top with cheese, and bake until set and golden.
7. Beef Stroganoff
Cook egg noodles and ground beef in a savory cream sauce flavored with onions, mushrooms, and a dash of white wine.
8. Cowboy Pasta Salad
Chill rotini pasta with ground beef, peppers, onions, beans, and taco inspired dressings for a hearty salad.
9. Taco Pasta
Brown ground beef with taco seasoning and combine with pasta, cheese, beans, and other taco toppings for an easy casserole.
10. Pasta Bolognese
Simmer ground beef in a rich tomato sauce with veggies then use it to top your favorite pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine.
11. Cabbage Roll Casserole
For a flavorful all-in-one dish, combine cooked ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cabbage and bake until tender.
12. Italian Pasta Salad
Marinate rotini pasta with cherry tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, salami or pepperoni, ground beef, and Italian dressing for a hearty portable meal.
13. Cheeseburger Macaroni
Cook macaroni with browned ground beef, tomatoes, mustard, ketchup, and cheddar for an easy kid-friendly meal.
14. Beef and Noodle Casserole
Mix egg noodles, ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, French fried onions, and cheese for old-fashioned comfort food.
15. Chili Mac
Ladle beef chili over macaroni or rice and top with shredded cheddar and onions for an easy skillet dinner.
16. Baked Ziti
Ground beef adds richness to classic baked ziti. Toss cooked pasta with meaty tomato sauce and bake with mozzarella until bubbly and browned.
17. Pasta Carbonara
Cook fettuccine with crispy bacon, peas, and Parmesan in a velvety egg and cheese sauce spiked with black pepper.
18. Beef Mushroom Soup with Pasta
Simmer ground beef and mushrooms in broth then add milk, cream, and egg noodles for a hearty stick-to-your-ribs soup.
19. Shepherd’s Pie Pasta
Brown ground beef with veggies in a skillet then add tomato sauce and cooked pasta. Top with mashed potatoes and bake for a meat and potatoes meal.
20. Beef and Shells
Quickly simmer petite shells with ground beef, onions, diced tomatoes, and seasonings for a fast weeknight dinner.
21. Swedish Meatballs with Noodles
For a cozy meal, simmer sweet and savory Swedish meatballs in a creamy sauce then serve over buttered egg noodles.
22. Beefy Mac and Cheese
Add cooked ground beef to mac and cheese along with onions, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce for a hearty and comforting dish.
23. Pasta Frittata
Whisk eggs with cooked pasta, ground beef, cheese, and veggies like spinach or tomatoes then bake into an easy meaty crustless quiche.
24. Beef and Bow Tie Pasta
Sauté ground beef with garlic, rosemary, and sun-dried tomatoes then toss with bow tie pasta for a quick but fancy dinner.
25. Chili Cheese Dog Pasta
Cook pasta shells with ground beef, beans, tomato sauce, mustard, and cheddar for an easy meal kids will devour.
The possibilities are endless when cooking with ground beef and pasta! Use whatever pasta shapes you have on hand and throw in lots of veggies to make it a well-rounded meal. Customize with your family’s favorite sauces, cheeses, and seasonings. Ground beef and pasta make the perfect starting point for so many delicious and budget-friendly dinners.
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More Easy Dinner Recipes
- 2 pans – one for cooking the ground beef and a large one for adding everything together
- 1 large pot to cook the pasta
- ▢ 8 ounces (1/2 box) of pasta shells
- ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ▢ 1 pound ground beef
- ▢ ¾ cup diced onion (1/2 an onion) – In a hurry? Frozen diced onion from the grocery store is perfect.
- ▢ 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ▢ 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ▢ ¾ cup heavy cream
- ▢ ½ cup water
- ▢ 2 cans tomato soup (the good old Campbell’s tomato soup!)
- ▢ 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ▢ ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
- Boil pasta according to the directions on the box
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the ground beef and drain
- In the largest pan, sauté the onions until translucent (2-3 minutes)
- Add in the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for another minute
- Pour in the soup and water. Stir and bring to a simmer
- Add the drained ground beef, cream, and noodles and cook over medium heat
- Once fully combined, add in the cheeses and continue to stir until thoroughly heated through
- Add salt and pepper to taste
- Serve immediately
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Many Names for Hamburger and Macaroni
Many culinary traditions have a version of hamburger and macaroni. Its similar to the Central European dish goulash, but this hamburger and mac doesnt have the paprika thats standard in goulash. Its also often called American chop suey, although it doesnt much resemble the traditional Chinese or Chinese-American chop suey. Some may call it slumgullion, although that name also refers to an inexpensive stew made from leftovers.
Some of our readers know it as hamburger hotdish, mulligan, or Johnny Marzetti. Whatever its called, its comforting and so simple youll never think about buying a pre-mixed box of pasta and spices to “help” you make hamburger and macaroni again.
Easy Ground Beef and Pasta Skillet Dinner
FAQ
What to add to ground beef for pasta?
Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, and green pepper in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until meat is browned and crumbly and vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain grease. Stir diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the pan.
How to jazz up boring pasta?
Fresh or dried herbs will also add flavor to pasta dishes.
“I use a lot of parsley, either fresh or even dried,” Montillo said. “Oregano, garlic powder, onion flakes, black pepper all work well in a variety of sauces.”
Can you eat beef with pasta?
Ground beef pasta is a favorite family meal and is easy to make in just a few steps. You can’t go wrong with meat, sauce, pasta, and cheese!
What is macaroni and ground beef called?
Many Names for Hamburger and Macaroni
Some may call it slumgullion, although that name also refers to an inexpensive stew made from leftovers. Some of our readers know it as hamburger hotdish, mulligan, or Johnny Marzetti.
What can I eat with ground beef pasta?
This Ground Beef Pasta recipe is an easy 30 minute meal that you can make with any kind of pasta. Your family will love the creamy, cheesy, Italian sauce! Be sure to serve this with a side of Garlic Bread with Cheese! You know the Italian-style version of Hamburger Helper?
Is ground beef good for pasta?
But when you’re looking for a little more protein to bulk up dinner, turn to ground beef pasta recipes. Unlike certain cuts of steak, ground beef is a pretty affordable option. Plus, you can use it in quite a few of your favorite pasta dishes. Think quick and simple meatball recipe or a fun family night project like lasagna roll-ups.
Are These hearty ground beef pasta recipes a family favorite?
These hearty ground beef pasta recipes will quickly become family favorites. If you haven’t found a use for that extra box of pasta sitting in the pantry or the ground beef sitting in your freezer, these recipes combine them to make easy, delicious dinners.
Is this cheesy ground beef pasta Skillet good?
If you’re on the hunt for a new pasta dish this winter, then have a look at this cheesy ground beef pasta skillet. It’s hearty and hearty but still has a light hand. The lentils add protein to the dish, while the veggies amp up the nutrients. And of course, there’s no shortage of cheese!
Does ground beef pasta eat like lasagna?
Easy, budget-friendly, and oh-so-comforting, these hearty ground beef pasta recipes will quickly become family favorites. While this casserole may look like your standard pasta bake, it eats like a hearty lasagna. With four kinds of cheese and a thick layer of meat sauce, you’ll understand why this dish got its name.
What to eat with ground beef?
“Elbow pasta with ground beef, bell pepper, and onions with tomato sauce. This is a quick and easy meal. Serve with a salad and loaf of bread, delicious!” —Luann Charity “A delicious, creamy ground beef dinner with noodles and corn topped with cheese. This is one of those recipes that if you don’t try it, you won’t know what you are missing.”