Using ground beef is the quickest way to make a meal more hearty and flavorful. If you're stuck in a dinner rut, spice up spaghetti night with our best ground beef pasta recipes.
42 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes
Updated on Sep. 23, 2024
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Italian Pasta Bake
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, spaghetti sauce, mushrooms, pasta shells, mozzarella, provolone
Level: Intermediate
This hearty, cheesy pasta bake makes a filling dinner. You can also mix up the meat by using half ground beef and half ground pork or ground Italian sausage.
“I love to make this pasta bake whenever I need to bring a dish to pass. Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch that’s missing from most other meat, pasta and tomato casseroles.” —Recipe contributor Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana
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Baked Spaghetti
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Ground beef, mushrooms, spaghetti, cheddar, cream of mushroom soup
Level: Intermediate
If you typically spoon tomato sauce over your spaghetti and call it a day, this is a serious upgrade. Green pepper, mushrooms and olives bake alongside bubbly cheddar and Parmesan cheeses for a dish that’s fancy enough for weekend guests, but easy enough to whip up on a weeknight.
“This cheesy crowd-pleasing dish puts a different spin on spaghetti. The leftovers, if there are any, freeze well for a quick future meal.” —Recipe contributor Ruth Koberna, Brecksville, Ohio
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Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Penne, ground beef, bacon, condensed tomato soup, cheddar
Level: Beginner
This 30-minute recipe has only five ingredients, and I’m willing to bet you have at least a few of them already stocked in your pantry. It’s filling and it packs in 25 grams of protein per serving. It’s a fun deconstructed burger recipe to make on the stove when grilling season is over.
“I make foods that are kid friendly and easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version.” —Recipe contributor Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota
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White Lasagna
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Lasagna noodles, Italian sausage, cheddar, cottage cheese, Gouda, half-and-half
Level: Intermediate
Traditional lasagna is delicious, but when you want to try something new, this rich and creamy white lasagna is a showstopper. The dish bakes for about an hour in the oven, so make it on a night when you have plenty of time to cook.
“I’m an old-fashioned country cook and I love preparing simple recipes like this lasagna. White sauce, tomatoes and beef are kitchen staples I normally keep on hand, so it’s simple to make this dish on weeknights.” —Recipe contributor Angie Price, Bradford, Tennessee
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Best Spaghetti and Meatballs
Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Tomato paste, tomato sauce, bread cubes, Parmesan, milk, ground beef, spaghetti
Level: Intermediate
This recipe tastes best when you cook it low and slow, so don’t rush through the steps. If frying is too messy or time intensive, you can also bake the meatballs. Set your oven to 400°F and place the meatballs on a rack over a rimmed baking sheet until they’re golden brown, about 20 minutes.
“One evening we had unexpected company. Since I had some of these meatballs left over in the freezer, I warmed them up as appetizers. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining.” —Recipe contributor Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona
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Million-Dollar Spaghetti
Total Time: 60 minutesMain Ingredients: Spaghetti, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, cheddar-Monterey Jack, ricotta, sour cream
Level: Intermediate
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a millionaire to make—or eat—million-dollar spaghetti. This dish earned its name because the velvety layer of ricotta and cream cheese tastes so rich. It also freezes beautifully, and you can freeze the prepared casserole for up to three months before baking.
“My family loves this old school spaghetti bake with a layer of baked cheeses. Perfect for a potluck or family gathering.” —Recipe contributor Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
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Skillet Beef and Macaroni
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, tomato sauce, macaroni, green pepper
Level: Beginner
Everyone in the family—even picky eaters—can get on board with this sure bet. Add extra veggies like mushrooms and spinach to make it a complete meal.
“I found this simple skillet recipe many years ago on a can label. I made some tweaks, and my family loved it. Because it’s so easy to put together, it’s a real timesaver for people with super busy schedules.” —Recipe contributor Maxine Neuhauser, Arcadia, California
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Lasagna Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Ground beef, pasta shells, mozzarella, cottage cheese, eggs, pasta sauce
Level: Beginner
Sometimes, you’re craving lasagna but you don’t have the time or energy to boil lasagna noodles and layer in all the cheese and sauce. Try this more low-maintenance version with cheesy pasta shells and a hearty sauce that’s baked in the oven.
“While growing up, I always wanted this meal on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but now I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice.” —Recipe contributor Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma
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Pizza Casserole
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Pasta, spaghetti sauce, ground beef, mozzarella, pepperoni
Level: Beginner
On those nights when I can’t decide between pizza and pasta—and let’s be honest, that’s every night—this dinner is an instant hit. Swap out pepperoni for pineapple and ham, mushrooms and peppers or whatever pizza toppings your heart desires. Next, try more of our favorite easy pizza recipes.
“Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night.” —Recipe contributor Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina
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Slow-Cooker Lasagna
Total Time: 4 hours, 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lasagna noodles, mozzarella, cottage cheese
Level: Intermediate
If you’ve ever dreamed of coming home from work to a home-cooked lasagna, then this is the dish for you. Just pop the ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it cook on low until the noodles are tender, about four to five hours.
“Convenient no-cook lasagna noodles take the work out of this traditional favorite adapted for the slow cooker. Because it’s so easy to assemble, it’s great for workdays as well as weekends. We like it accompanied by Parmesan bread or garlic cheese toast.” —Recipe contributor Lisa Micheletti, Collierville, Tennessee
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Hamburger Stroganoff with Poppy Seed Noodles
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, mushrooms, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, wide noodles, poppy seeds
Level: Beginner
Poppy seed noodles are exactly what they sound like: Cooked noodles topped with poppy seeds and a little melted butter and parsley. The seeds add a delightful crunch that makes this dish a winner. The recipe also uses canned mushrooms to cut down on prep time, which means no cleaning and chopping!
“I love cooking with ground beef, especially when the result is a rib-sticking and economical dish like this. The poppy seed noodles add even more flavor.” —Recipe contributor Jutta Doering, Kelowna, British Columbia
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Cowboy Pasta Salad
Total Time: 30 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Spiral pasta, ground beef, taco seasoning, cheddar, onion, green pepper, Catalina salad dressing
Level: Beginner
This cold pasta is a guaranteed hit at a party, but it’s also tasty in school lunches, or even as a low-maintenance summer dinner. Serve it alongside baked beans with bacon and a big fruit salad.
“I take this slightly spicy salad to almost every party or picnic I attend. Every time I come home with lots of compliments, but never any leftovers!” —Recipe contributor Patty Ehlen, Burlington, Wisconsin
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Taco Stuffed Shells
Taco stuffed shells are a welcome twist on Taco Tuesday—easy to make, with results that are sure to please. Make it once, and this recipe just may end up with its very own weeknight slot.
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Ravioli Lasagna
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, spaghetti sauce, frozen ravioli, mozzarella
Level: Intermediate
Some nights, I feel like spending hours making lasagna from scratch. When it’s not one of those nights, I use this cheater’s version. Ravioli takes the place of lasagna noodles, so all you need to do is add tomato sauce and a little cheese, and the rest of the work is basically done for you.
“When you taste this dish, you’ll think it’s a from-scratch recipe. But it starts with frozen ravioli and just three other ingredients.” —Recipe contributor Patricia Smith, Asheboro, North Carolina
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Taco Lasagna
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Flour tortillas, ground beef, taco seasoning, refried beans, Mexican cheese blend
Level: Beginner
For this dish, the lasagna noodles are tossed out the window completely and replaced with flour tortillas. Refried beans sub in for ricotta cheese, and the ground beef is simmered with green peppers, onions and diced tomatoes for added flavor. For a lighter Mexican casserole, try ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.
“If you like foods with southwestern flair, this just might become a new favorite. Loaded with cheese, meat and beans, the layered casserole comes together in a snap. There are never any leftovers when I take this dish to potlucks.” —Recipe contributor Terri Keena, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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Spaghetti Pie
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Spaghetti, ground beef, tomato paste, egg whites, cottage cheese, mozzarella
Level: Intermediate
Our two favorite foods, together at last: pasta and pie. Yes, this recipe really does cook in a 9-inch pie plate, and you can even use your pie server to dish it up. One reader has been making this recipe for over 20 years and says the dish turns out perfectly every time.
“A classic combination is remade into a creamy, family-pleasing casserole in this quick and easy dish. This recipe was given to me several years ago, and my family never gets tired of it.” —Recipe contributor Ellen Thompson, Springfield, Ohio
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Stovetop Beef and Shells
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Pasta shells, ground beef, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce
Level: Beginner
Look up “pantry meal” in the dictionary and you’ll find a picture of this hearty dinner. It’s not fancy, but it’s quick, easy and filling. It’s fabulous for nights when you don’t know what to cook. Serve it with a hunk of crusty bread.
“I fix this sauced-up supper when I’m pressed for time, and lucky for my family, it’s as tasty as it is fast. Team it up with salad, bread and fruit for a comforting meal.” —Recipe contributor Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
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Soup Mix Pasta
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Spiral pasta, ground beef, heavy whipping cream, onion soup mix, Gruyere, Swiss
Level: Beginner
Give pasta spirals a serious flavor boost with that packet of onion soup mix that’s been hanging out in the pantry. Try serving the dish with fresh thyme and chopped green onions for maximum flavor. If you still have extra, find more ways to use onion soup mix.
“This delicious pasta sauce originated after I noticed a box of onion soup packets in my cupboard. I could not believe how much flavor it added as a seasoning blend! To my delight, my whole family gave this dish rave reviews, including my infamously picky children. Now it is my go-to dinner when I want to serve an easy, comforting dish after an especially difficult week or when the weather is cold and dreary.” —Recipe contributor Kristin Bowers, Gilbert, Arizona
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Taco Pasta Casserole
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Bow-tie pasta, ground beef, cheddar, salsa, tomatoes, taco seasoning
Level: Beginner
Taco casserole is a delicious crowd-pleaser that’s especially great for kids, so it might even earn itself a spot in your regular rotation. It’s easy, forgiving and low-maintenance. You can even place the leftovers in an airtight container and freeze them for up to three months.
“My preschooler doesn’t eat ground beef unless it’s taco flavored, so I came up with this casserole we all like. To make assembly easy, I prepare the taco meat and freeze several bags at a time.” —Recipe contributor Kathy Wilson, Romeoville, Illinois
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Swedish Meatballs
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, flour, milk, condensed beef consomme
Level: Intermediate
Even if your own mom didn’t make Swedish meatballs, it’s time to start a new tradition. Use 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef so the meatballs will stay tender throughout the cooking process. You can serve the meatballs over noodles, rice or with a hunk of bread to sop up the sauce.
“Mom fixed these meatballs for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. After smelling the aromas of browning meat and caramelized onions, everyone will be ready to eat.” —Recipe contributor Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
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Spinach Lasagna
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, pasta sauce, no-cook lasagna noodles
Level: Beginner
While this recipe can be made vegetarian, ground beef makes the dish more filling and adds additional protein. A sprinkle of crumbled feta in the ricotta mixture adds extra zip, so don’t skip it.
“In the kitchen, my husband and I like to use classic ingredients in new ways. I came up with this lasagna one day and haven’t made another type since. We love it!” —Recipe contributor Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
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Creamy Beef Lasagna
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Ground beef, tomato sauce, cream cheese, white cheddar, sour cream, lasagna noodles
Level: Beginner
If you’re expecting company this week but don’t have time to cook, you can assemble this dish one or two days in advance, then chill until you’re ready to bake it. Due to the cream cheese in the recipe, it’s best to store it in the fridge, not the freezer, before baking.
“The creamy stroganoff-like filling in this distinctive lasagna makes it a stick-to-your-ribs entree. My family loves the delicious taste, and I appreciate that it’s inexpensive to fix.” —Recipe contributor Jane Frawley, Charles Town, West Virginia
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Bacon Mac and Cheese
This bacon mac and cheese features a blend of jalapeños, scallions and four different cheeses. It’s creamy, comforting and hearty, making it an absolute winner on any spread.
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Cheeseburger Pasta
Switch up your usual go-to cheeseburger dinner and make it in pasta form instead!
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One-Pan Rotini with Tomato Cream Sauce
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, beef stock, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, spiral pasta, peas, heavy whipping cream, Parmesan
Level: Beginner
We’ve never met a one-pan recipe we didn’t like, but this creamy and flavorful dish tops the list. Don’t worry if the pasta isn’t completely submerged in the liquid—the rotini will still cook evenly, thanks to the steam inside the covered pan.
“I like to make one-pan recipes and this one was proclaimed a winner by my family. Bonus: It’s also easy to clean up. Serve with crusty bread to dip into the sauce.” —Recipe contributor Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
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Ground Beef Stroganoff
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Egg noodles, ground beef, mushrooms, beef broth, tomato paste, sour cream
Level: Beginner
This souped-up beef stroganoff is even quicker and easier than the version your grandma used to make. Serve over egg noodles or even mashed potatoes.
“I lightened my mother-in-law’s wonderful Stroganoff and came up with this version. In our home, we call it special noodles.” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Riordan, St. Louis, Missouri
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Hearty Penne Beef
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Penne, tomato puree, beef broth, spinach, mozzarella
Level: Beginner
After a tough day, a big pot of cheesy, comforting pasta is just what the doctor ordered. Worcestershire sauce adds an extra umami flavor and two cups of spinach make the dish a complete meal.
“This is comfort food at its finest! The best of everything is found here—it’s tasty, easy and a smart way to sneak in some spinach for extra nutrition.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Spaghetti Pie Casserole
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Spaghetti, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, mushrooms, cream cheese, cheddar-Monterey Jack, cream of chicken soup, Alfredo sauce
Level: Intermediate
This creamy, decadent pasta recipe is fully customizable, so you can add ground beef tonight, then omit it next week and sub in plant-based crumbles and mushrooms. You can also freeze the assembled casserole for up to three months before baking, so it makes an ideal make-ahead meal.
“My family adores this spaghetti casserole. It’s old-timey comfort food. This is how to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese.” —Recipe contributor Patricia Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
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Spanish Noodles and Ground Beef
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, green pepper, egg noodles, canned diced tomatoes, chili sauce
Level: Beginner
Egg noodles, chili sauce and bacon make this dish extra special. While it’s fancy enough to make on a weekend, it goes from pantry to table in only 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for weeknights.
“Bacon adds smoky flavor to this comforting stovetop supper that my mom frequently made when we were growing up. Now I prepare it for my family.” —Recipe contributor Kelli Jones, Peris, California
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Mexican Lasagna
Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Lasagna noodles, ground beef, taco seasoning, beans, Colby-Monterey Jack, sour cream
Level: Intermediate
If you can’t decide between tacos and pasta, why not have both? Time-saving tip: The sauce cooks the lasagna noodles while the dish bakes, so there’s no need to boil them in advance.
“I collect cookbooks and recipes (this one is from my son’s mother-in-law). My husband teases me that I won’t live long enough to try half of the recipes in my files!” —Recipe contributor Rose Ann Buhle, Minooka, Illinois
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Taco Spaghetti
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, taco seasoning, spaghetti, beans, canned tomatoes, Mexican cheese blend, salsa
Level: Beginner
This fun mash-up is a new way to eat an old favorite. The pasta and beef are cooked separately, then combined with the rest of the ingredients and baked in the oven. If spaghetti isn’t your thing, try rotini, penne or farfalle instead.
“I came up with this kid-friendly southwestern recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I’m lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one.” —Recipe contributor Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
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Stuffed Shells with Meat
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Jumbo pasta shells, ground beef, Italian cheese blend, ricotta, egg, pesto, spaghetti sauce
Level: Intermediate
On busy weeknights, quick and easy dinners are the name of the game. Luckily, you can make this dish in advance (say, on Sunday afternoon), then pop it in the oven when you get home from work on Monday. Plus, the flavors will come together in the fridge overnight, making the dish even tastier.
“Here’s a rich and comforting dish that’s terrific right away or made ahead and baked the next day. Pesto makes a surprising filling for these cheesy and satisfying shells.” —Recipe contributor Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
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Best Lasagna
Total Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Lasagna noodles, Italian sausage, ground beef, crushed tomatoes, ricotta, mozzarella, egg
Level: Intermediate
This classic lasagna recipe calls for mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, but I like to mix things up with provolone, fontina and cheddar cheese. To make the recipe vegan, I swap in vegan cheeses.
“Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can’t go wrong with this deliciously rich and meaty lasagna. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too.” —Recipe contributor Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
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Beef Bolognese with Linguine
Total Time: 4 hoursMain Ingredients: Ground beef, mirepoix, red wine, diced tomatoes, beef stock, Parmesan, linguine
Level: Intermediate
What is this, a fancy Italian restaurant or something? Bolognese is a time-intensive recipe that simmers on the stove all day, so make it on a day when you’ll be hanging out at home. By dinnertime, the entire house will smell magical.
“After much research, tasting and tweaking, I finally came up with this recipe, based on a dish from an Italian restaurant where I worked. It’s perfect for feeding a house full of holiday guests the Sunday before or after Christmas.” —Recipe contributor Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
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One-Pot Spaghetti Dinner
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, mushrooms, tomato juice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, spaghetti
Level: Beginner
I love cooking, but on a busy weeknight, it’s tough to face the sink full of dirty dishes after dinner. Luckily, this elevated spaghetti recipe uses only one pot. For the best flavor, don’t forget to salt the water before adding the pasta.
“All you need is one pot to make this meal that features a simple homemade sauce. Allspice adds a unique taste, but you can substitute Italian seasoning if you prefer.” —Recipe contributor Carol Benzel-Schmidt, Stanwood, Washington
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Pappardelle Bolognese
Total Time: 4 hours, 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Mirepoix, ground beef, Italian sausage, white wine, beef broth, chicken, heavy whipping cream, tomato paste, pasta
Level: Intermediate
Save this recipe for Sunday supper, when you can take your time and let the ingredients simmer for three to four hours. The recipe serves 12 and the white wine sauce is fancy enough for company, so invite your friends.
“My robust ragu combines ground beef, sausage and chicken. Serve it over any type of pasta, or baked or fried polenta. It’s even good on its own with a slice of hot buttered garlic bread.” —Recipe contributor Caroline Brody, Forest Hills, New York
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Skillet Lasagna
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: No-cook lasagna noodles, ground beef, tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, cream of onion soup, cottage cheese, Colby-Monterey Jack
Level: Beginner
This is an inventive lasagna that cooks on the stovetop instead of in the oven. Cream of onion soup and cottage cheese add a unique creaminess, while Colby-Monterrey Jack cheese switches up the flavor profile. Best of all, you can slice and serve it like a pie.
“This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Jumbo pasta shells, ground beef, onion, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, cheddar
Level: Intermediate
This fun pasta shells dinner has two unusual ingredients: ketchup and mustard! Your favorite burger condiments add a tangy twist to an old classic, and you can even add chopped pickles for an extra crunch.
“You could call this a comfort food mashup made in heaven. Jumbo stuffed pasta shells are loaded up with cheeseburger goodness in a dish that will soon become a family favorite.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Make-Ahead Spicy Olive Pasta
Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Spaghetti, ground beef, pasta sauce, olives, capers, anchovy fillets, cottage cheese, mozzarella
Level: Intermediate
Jazz up boring spaghetti with a few high-end ingredients, like anchovy fillets, olives and capers. Cottage cheese, butter, mozzarella and Parmesan make this dish extra decadent.
“This is a fancied-up version of my grandchildren’s favorite baked spaghetti. It feels like such a special dinner, and it’s so cozy for winter.” —Recipe contributor Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
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Pressure-Cooker Penne with Meat Sauce
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Onion, green pepper, penne, pasta sauce
Level: Beginner
When dinner was supposed to be on the table, like, an hour ago, this dish is a lifesaver. Thanks to your trusty pressure cooker, this dish cooks for only six minutes! Unbelievable…and delicious.
“This pressure-cooker pasta is delicious and super easy. I like to serve it with a chopped salad and Italian dressing.” —Recipe contributor Virginia Butterfield, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
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Cowboy Pasta
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Medium pasta shells, bacon, ground beef, corn, diced tomatoes, Monterey-Jack
Level: Beginner
Whether you’re eating this skillet pasta on the ranch or in your dining room, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Beef, bacon and corn add flavor to every bite, and cream cheese, buttermilk and Monterey Jack cheese make the sauce irresistibly creamy.
“This pasta combines ground beef, bacon, corn, tangy buttermilk and Monterey Jack cheese for an easy but hearty weeknight dinner. Add more chili powder or a chopped jalapeno to give this delicious pasta dish more of an Old West kick.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Bechamel Lasagna
Total Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Lasagna noodles, ground beef, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, mozzarella
Level: Intermediate
Homemade bechamel sauce instantly elevates any dish, and it’s easy to see why. The classic French sauce is made with a mixture of butter and flour, and the addition of milk and cheese makes it silky smooth. You’ll have to keep stirring it frequently as it cooks, so put down your phone and avoid multitasking until dinner is done.
“Instead of ricotta, this lasagna layers rich and creamy bechamel sauce between cooked noodles and meat sauce. For added color, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ground Beef Pasta Recipes FAQ
Should you drain ground beef for pasta?
Pay close attention to your pasta recipe to determine whether you should drain the ground beef after cooking it. In most cases, it’s important to drain the excess oil from the meat or it can affect the consistency of the sauce. If the sauce is too oily, it can become runny and slide off the pasta. For best results, aim to create a cohesive sauce that coats the ingredients. Note: While draining the ground beef is recommended, don’t worry about rinsing the meat. This is an unnecessary step that strips away the flavor of the ground beef.
Do you cook ground beef before putting it in sauce?
Even if you’re cooking your ground beef pasta dish in a slow cooker or pressure cooker, we recommend that you cook ground beef in a pan before adding it to the sauce. You’ll know it’s cooked when the meat is no longer pink. For extra flavor, feel free to cook the ground beef slightly longer until it browns. This ensures that the meat is cooked thoroughly and doesn’t add excess oil to the sauce.
What’s the best ground beef for pasta?
If the recipe doesn’t specify which type of ground beef to use, it’s likely that any fat ratio, from 70/30 ground beef to 90/10 ground sirloin, will probably do the trick, especially if it’s added to a sauce. These numbers are the lean meat to fat ratio. 70/30 ground beef contains 70% lean meat and 30% fat, while 85/15 is significantly leaner. If you’re still unsure, ask the butcher at your supermarket to recommend the best ground beef for your recipe.
