Description

Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting? This Ground Beef Pasta recipe is everything you need: a one-skillet wonder loaded with savory ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, and tender rigatoni pasta. It’s an easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or when you need delicious, no-fuss food ideas. Whether you’re in search of quick comfort meals, easy dinner inspiration, or satisfying family recipes, this one’s a keeper for your regular rotation.

Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 lb ground beef

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

15 oz tomato sauce

0.5 cup heavy cream

0.5 teaspoon dried oregano

0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning

0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up until browned. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add chopped onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, oregano, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5–6 minutes.

5. Lower heat and slowly stir in heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and combined.

6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat well. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes.

7. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

For best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese.

Don’t skip the tomato paste—it gives the sauce a deeper, more complex flavor.

If reheating, add a splash of water or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: ground beef pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, family meal, creamy pasta