Ever have those nights where you need to make something quick and easy before everyone loses it?
These ground beef and pasta recipes save me all the time because they’re hearty, fast, and make enough to stretch into big batches if you want leftovers.
My family never complains about these ones, which is rare in my house.
If this sounds good to you, here are some recipes I know you’ll love!
1. Creamy Beef and Bow Tie Pasta
To make this creamy beef and bow tie pasta, brown the beef with garlic.
Then pour in broth, cream, and a spoonful of cream cheese until the sauce turns smooth and glossy.
Let the bow ties cook right in the pot so they soak up all that flavor.
I like tossing in peas at the end when I’m trying to sneak in something green without getting complaints.
Stir everything together until it’s creamy. Serve it hot with a little parmesan on top.
2. Cheesy Taco Pasta
Get all the taco night flavor without dragging out ten toppings bowls.
Brown the beef with taco seasoning, add broth and salsa, then let the pasta cook right in the same pot.
Once it softens, stir in a big scoop of shredded cheese so it melts into a thick, gooey sauce.
Mix in corn or black beans if your crew will allow it.
Finish with a little extra cheese on top for good measure.
3. Beef Stroganoff
This one starts with beef, onions, and mushrooms simmering together until everything smells like comfort food.
Add broth, sour cream, and a little Worcestershire so the sauce turns silky.
Drop in wide noodles and let them soften in the pan.
The whole dish turns creamy and savory without much effort.
4. One-Pot Beef Marinara Rotini
This one is great when you want bold flavor without a lot of steps!
Cook the beef, pour in your favorite marinara and a cup of broth, then add rotini right to the pot.
Everything simmers together so the pasta soaks up the sauce and turns tender.
The starch thickens the marinara into a richer, almost slow-cooked texture.
Finish with a little parmesan and serve it hot.
5. Beefy Alfredo Penne
Start by cooking the beef with garlic until it browns nicely.
Add cream, broth, and parmesan so it turns into a smooth Alfredo-style sauce.
Cook the penne right in the pot so it soaks up the sauce.
Spinach works well here if you want something green mixed in.
A quick stir at the end brings everything together.
6. Lasagna Skillet
All the good parts of lasagna without building a whole pan!
Brown the beef, add garlic and seasoning, then pour in crushed tomatoes and broken lasagna noodles.
Let everything simmer until the noodles soften and the sauce thickens.
Drop spoonfuls of ricotta on top so it melts into little creamy pockets.
Finish with mozzarella and let it get melty.
7. Beef and Tomato Basil Shells
This one smells amazing while it cooks!
Sauté beef with garlic, add diced tomatoes and broth, then stir in medium shells.
Throw some fresh basil in at the end so it stays bright and flavorful.
Stir until the sauce coats every shell.
Serve it warm with extra basil on top.
8. Cheeseburger Macaroni
I make this one when I’m tired and want something that tastes like it took more effort.
Cook the beef with onions, then add macaroni, broth, and a little ketchup and mustard to get that classic cheeseburger flavor.
Once the pasta softens, stir in cheddar until the sauce turns thick and creamy.
My kids love chopped up pickles in theirs!
9. Beef Orzo with Spinach
Start with beef, garlic, and a pinch of Italian seasoning in a pot.
Add broth and orzo, letting it simmer until the orzo turns tender and the liquid mostly absorbs.
The spinach wilts quickly at the end and mixes right in.
The whole dish feels cozy but still light.
Give it a good stir before serving.
10. Spicy Gochujang Beef Noodles
You’ll like this one if you want something with a little heat!
Cook the beef, then add gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of broth to make a sweet and spicy sauce.
Toss in cooked noodles and let them soak up all that flavor.
Add green onions for crunch.
Serve it right away so the noodles stay glossy.
11. Beef and Pesto Rigatoni
Cook the beef with garlic, then stir in broth and rigatoni so it all simmers together.
When the pasta softens, spoon in pesto and watch the sauce turn bright and fragrant.
Cherry tomatoes work well here if you want something fresh mixed in.
Stir until the pesto coats everything.
Serve it while it’s still steaming.
12. Greek Beef Pasta Bake
You’ll get a nice mix of savory and tangy flavors with this one.
Brown the beef with oregano, add tomatoes and cooked pasta, then fold in a handful of olives.
Crumble feta on top and bake until it’s warm and soft.
Scoop it out of the dish while the cheese is still melty.
Add a few extra olives before serving.
13. Beef Carbonara Twist
I like making this when there’s leftover pasta sitting in the fridge.
Cook the beef, then stir it into hot pasta with eggs, parmesan, and black pepper until it all turns creamy.
The heat from the pasta cooks the eggs into a smooth sauce that tastes richer than it looks.
Peas or bacon fit right in if you want a little extra…or try some fried mushrooms on top!
Keep stirring until everything comes together.
14. Beef and Roasted Red Pepper Penne
Start by cooking the beef with onions and garlic until everything softens.
Blend roasted red peppers with a little broth to make a smooth sauce, then pour it into the pan with penne.
The sauce turns the whole dish sweet and smoky in a really good way.
Let it thicken while the pasta cooks.
Serve it warm with parmesan on top.
15. Beef Ramen Stir-Fry Pasta
This one comes together fast when you need a quick and cheap dinner!
Cook the beef, add garlic and soy sauce, then toss in cooked ramen noodles.
A splash of broth and a little hoisin turns it into a glossy stir-fry.
Add shredded carrots or snap peas if you want crunch.
Mix until the noodles soak up the sauce.
Ground Beef and Pasta Hits That Save Busy Nights
Sometimes you just need a meal that doesn’t fight you, and these recipes get the job done without turning your kitchen upside down.
Pick one, toss everything in a pot, and let dinner handle itself while you deal with the rest of the evening!
