11 Pasta Recipes With Ground Beef Ready in 30 Minutes

That frantic, late-afternoon feeling hits hard. You’re staring into the fridge, wondering what you can possibly make for dinner that’s fast, delicious, and won’t result in a chorus of complaints from the family. The clock is ticking, everyone is hungry, and you need a guaranteed win.

The cycle of searching for quick weeknight dinners can be exhausting. Many recipes promise simplicity but end up requiring a dozen specialty ingredients or dirtying every pot and pan in your kitchen. You need a reliable, go-to meal that delivers maximum comfort and flavor with minimal time and effort. You’re looking for the perfect intersection of hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy.

A winning ground beef pasta recipe is hearty, satisfying, and comes together in under 40 minutes. It often uses simple pantry ingredients like lean ground beef, a flavorful sauce (whether creamy, cheesy, or tomato-based), and your favorite pasta shape for a perfect, no-fuss weeknight meal that solves the dinner dilemma every single time.

Craving a Quick & Hearty Dinner? Why Ground Beef and Pasta is Your 30-Minute Solution

When the weeknight rush is on, you need a dinner solution that is quick, easy, and comforting. Ground beef and pasta is the ultimate answer. It’s a family-friendly combination that is both budget-conscious and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re craving a rich, creamy sauce or a classic Italian tomato-based dish, you can create a satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered for hours, but actually comes together in about 30 minutes. After testing countless recipes that were too complicated or bland, we’ve gathered only the best, tried-and-true 30-minute ground beef pasta dishes that guarantee a delicious result every time. Say goodbye to dinner stress and hello to your new favorite weeknight staples.

11 Pasta Recipes With Ground Beef Ready in 30 Minutes (Updated for 2025)

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine! This list is packed with a variety of delicious ground beef pasta recipes, all designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. From one-pot wonders that make cleanup a breeze to luxuriously creamy and cheesy skillets, you’ll find the perfect dish to satisfy any craving. Each recipe has been selected for its clear instructions, accessible ingredients, and proven success for home cooks of all skill levels.

1. Creamy Cheesy Italian Ground Beef Pasta
2. One-Pan Spinach and Tomato Beef Skillet
3. Creamy Dijon Ground Beef and Fusilli
4. One-Pot Spicy Italian Beef Rotini
5. Skillet Italian Penne with Mozzarella
6. 30-Minute One-Pan Beef Penne
7. One-Pot Ground Beef and Broccoli Pasta
8. One-Pan Classic Italian Herb Beef Pasta
9. Easy Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef
10. Creamy Shells and Beef One-Pot
11. Cheesy Ground Beef and Corn Pasta

1. The Cozy Cook’s Creamy Cheesy Italian Pasta

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining browned ground beef and rotini pasta in a rich, savory tomato cream sauce loaded with melted cheddar cheese.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, chicken broth, half and half, shredded cheddar cheese, rotini pasta.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic; drain any excess fat.
  2. Stir in the Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and half and half. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Add the cooked rotini pasta and the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet.
  4. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy. Serve hot.
     > Pro-Tip: For an even richer sauce, let the dish sit for a few minutes off the heat before serving. This allows the pasta to absorb more of the creamy sauce.

“Pin this creamy pasta recipe for your next cozy night in!”

2. Lemons and Zest’s Ground Beef & Spinach Skillet

This one-skillet meal offers a balanced dinner by combining lean ground beef, pasta shells, and fresh spinach in a light yet flavorful tomato and beef broth sauce.

• Ingredients: Lean ground beef, onion, garlic, fresh spinach, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, medium pasta shells, optional heavy cream.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain the fat.
  2. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and seasonings. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, bringing the sauce to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help create the sauce.
  5. Continue to cook until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
     > Lesson Learned: Don’t skip reserving a cup of the starchy pasta water before you drain it! It’s the secret ingredient to making the sauce cling perfectly to the shells.

“Save this one-skillet wonder to your ‘Easy Dinners’ board!”

3. Salt & Lavender’s Easy Creamy Dijon Beef Pasta

This recipe provides a unique flavor twist by enriching a creamy tomato and ground beef sauce with a tangy kick of Dijon mustard, creating an elegant yet simple dish.

• Ingredients: Lean ground beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, heavy cream, fusilli or penne pasta.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown the lean ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet; drain thoroughly.
  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until combined.
  4. Add your cooked fusilli pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
  5. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
     > Pro-Tip: The Dijon mustard adds a subtle, tangy depth that cuts through the richness of the cream. Don’t be afraid to add a little more if you love that flavor!

“Ready for a flavor upgrade? Pin this Creamy Dijon Pasta now!”

4. Chef Lola’s One-Pot Spicy Beef Rotini

This is the perfect one-pot meal for those who love a little heat, as the rotini pasta cooks directly in a spicy, tomato-based beef stock sauce for easy cleanup.

• Ingredients: Lean ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, beef stock, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, rotini pasta, optional spinach or basil.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic, then drain the grease.
  2. Stir in the seasonings, tomato sauce, and beef stock. Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil.
  3. Add the uncooked rotini pasta, stirring well to submerge it in the liquid.
  4. Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
  5. Stir in fresh spinach or basil at the very end, if desired, until just wilted.
     > Lesson Learned: Stir the pot every few minutes while the pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. This is key for one-pot pasta success!

“Love easy cleanup? Pin this One-Pot Spicy Pasta recipe!”

5. French Creek’s Skillet Italian Beef Penne

This skillet recipe creates a creamy, cheesy Italian-style meal by building a sauce with milk and beef broth, all topped with glorious melted mozzarella.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, penne noodles, milk, beef broth, tomato sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, flour or cornstarch.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with garlic and drain any fat.
  2. Stir in a little flour or cornstarch to coat the beef, which will help thicken the sauce.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth, followed by the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
  4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cooked penne pasta.
  5. Stir until everything is heated through, then top generously with shredded cheese, cover the skillet, and let it melt.
     > Pro-Tip: Using a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) instead of flour will result in a glossier, silkier sauce.

“Get your cheese pull! Pin this Skillet Penne recipe now!”

6. Girl Gone Gourmet’s One Pan Beef Penne

This recipe is the pinnacle of convenience, using no-boil pasta that cooks directly in a savory marinara sauce, all in a single pan for the easiest cleanup imaginable.

• Ingredients: Lean ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, no-boil penne pasta, water/broth, Parmesan, fresh mozzarella.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pan; drain. Stir in seasonings and Worcestershire sauce.
  2. Add the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and water or broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Stir in the uncooked no-boil penne pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
  4. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove from the heat, top with fresh mozzarella and Parmesan, and let it sit for a minute to melt before serving.
     > Lesson Learned: No-boil pasta is a game-changer for one-pan meals, but make sure there is enough liquid in the pan to fully cook the pasta. Add a splash more broth if it looks dry.

“One pan to clean? Yes, please! Pin this recipe!”

7. 31 Daily’s One Pot Beef & Broccoli Pasta

For a healthier option, this one-pot meal features lean ground beef, broccoli florets, and cherry tomatoes in a light broth-based sauce, making it a fresh alternative to heavy cream or tomato sauces.

• Ingredients: Lean ground beef, onion, mushrooms, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, garlic, short pasta (like rotini or penne), choice of broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable).
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with onion and mushrooms. Drain any fat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and your choice of broth. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
  3. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover the pot and cook until the pasta is almost tender.
  4. Add the broccoli florets and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot.
  5. Cover and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the pasta is fully cooked.
     > Pro-Tip: Add the broccoli in the last few minutes of cooking to ensure it stays bright green and tender-crisp, not mushy.

“Looking for a lighter option? Pin this Beef & Broccoli Pasta!”

8. Borrowed Bites’ One Pot Italian Herb Pasta

This recipe delivers a classic, herb-forward Italian-American flavor by simmering pasta in a rich sauce made from crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and a blend of aromatic dried herbs.

• Ingredients: Lean ground beef, onion, garlic, dried oregano, marjoram, thyme, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tubular pasta, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic in a large pot. Drain the fat.
  2. Stir in the dried herbs and tomato paste. Cook for one minute to toast the spices.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
  4. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the pasta is tender.
  5. Turn off the heat and stir in fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
     > Lesson Learned: Stirring in fresh herbs like basil at the very end, off the heat, preserves their bright, aromatic flavor. Cooking them for too long can make them taste dull.

“Taste the tradition! Pin this Italian Herb Pasta recipe.”

9. Cook the Story’s Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

This dish is the definition of comfort food, featuring a supremely cheesy and creamy sauce made with heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and a hint of Worcestershire for umami depth.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, penne pasta.
• Instructions:
  1. While your pasta is cooking separately, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain.
  2. Stir in the Italian seasoning, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes.
  3. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the cooked, drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce.
  5. Toss everything together until the penne is beautifully coated in the cheesy sauce.
     > Pro-Tip: Using sharp cheddar cheese will give you the most flavor and the best ‘cheesy’ taste that stands up to the rich beef and tomato sauce.

“For the ultimate comfort food, pin this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta!”

10. Meatloaf and Melodrama’s Creamy Shells and Beef

This one-pot recipe is a family favorite, cooking pasta shells directly in a creamy marinara sauce that gets its richness from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, water or beef broth, medium shell pasta, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic, then drain.
  2. Stir in the Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and water or broth. Bring it all to a boil.
  3. Add the uncooked pasta shells, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
     > Lesson Learned: The shells are perfect for this dish because they act like little cups, capturing the creamy sauce in every single bite.

“Save this one-pot Creamy Shells recipe for an easy weeknight win!”

11. Munchkin Time’s Cheesy Ground Beef & Corn Pasta

This is a fun, kid-friendly one-pot meal that combines ground beef, pasta, and corn in a cheesy marinara sauce made with rich bone broth and melty Colby Jack cheese.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, Montreal Steak Spice, pasta, corn, green onions, marinara sauce, bone broth, Colby Jack cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with Montreal Steak Spice.
  2. Add the uncooked pasta, corn, green onions, marinara sauce, and bone broth.
  3. Stir everything together, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the pasta is cooked through.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded Colby Jack cheese until it’s completely melted and gooey.
     > Pro-Tip: Using bone broth instead of water or regular broth adds extra protein and a deeper, more savory flavor to the entire dish.

“A dish the kids will love! Pin this Cheesy Corn & Beef Pasta!”

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to 30-Minute Ground Beef Pasta

Feeling overwhelmed by all the delicious options? Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you find the perfect recipe for tonight’s dinner.

• For Ultimate Creaminess: Try recipes like The Cozy Cook’s Creamy Pasta or Salt & Lavender’s Creamy Dijon Pasta, which use heavy cream and cheese for a rich, decadent sauce.
• For the Easiest Cleanup: Opt for one-pot wonders like Chef Lola’s Spicy Rotini or Meatloaf and Melodrama’s Creamy Shells, where the pasta cooks right in the sauce.
• For a Lighter, Veggie-Packed Meal: Choose the Ground Beef & Spinach Skillet or the One Pot Beef & Broccoli Pasta for a delicious way to incorporate more greens without heavy sauces.
• For Classic Italian Flavor: Borrowed Bites’ Italian Herb Pasta delivers that timeless, savory tomato and herb profile you love.

People Also Ask About Pasta Recipes with Ground Beef

What kind of pasta can you make with ground beef?

Ground beef is incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost any pasta shape. Sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, rotini, and shells are excellent as they capture hearty meat sauces well. For layered dishes, lasagna noodles are classic. Even long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine work beautifully with a rich bolognese-style ground beef sauce.

Is ground beef good for pasta?

Yes, ground beef is an excellent choice for pasta. Its rich, savory flavor creates a satisfying and hearty base for a wide variety of sauces, from creamy and cheesy to classic tomato-based ragùs. It’s also budget-friendly and cooks quickly, making it a perfect protein for fast and delicious weeknight pasta dinners that the whole family will enjoy.

Is it healthy to eat pasta with ground beef?

Pasta with ground beef can absolutely be part of a healthy diet. To make it healthier, opt for lean or extra-lean ground beef to reduce saturated fat. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, and load the sauce with vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or peppers for extra nutrients. This combination provides a balanced meal with protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins.

Final Thoughts

With these 11 amazing recipes, you’re now equipped to conquer any busy weeknight with a delicious, comforting meal. The beauty of ground beef and pasta is its simplicity and adaptability, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly satisfying. A delicious, home-cooked meal is achievable even on the busiest nights.

Which one will you be trying first? Let us know in the comments below