I love exploring different ways to prepare beef pasta. This versatile dish can satisfy both comfort food cravings and sophisticated palates. In this article, I will share my seven best beef pasta recipes that are sure to please everyone at the table.

Beef and pasta come together in many delightful combinations, making it easy to create meals that are both hearty and flavorful. Whether you prefer classic sauces or unique twists, there’s a recipe that will fit every occasion.

Table of Contents

1. Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles

a close-up shot of a bowl filled with beef stroganoff. wide egg noodles are topped with tender pieces of beef, sliced mushrooms, and a creamy, light brown sauce. the dish is garnished with fresh parsley. the bowl is a light color, and the ingredients are arranged to show their texture

Beef Stroganoff with egg noodles is a classic dish. It features tender strips of beef cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over egg noodles. This meal is rich and flavorful, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Making this dish is quite easy, even for beginners. I enjoy preparing it because it comes together quickly. Here are the steps I follow:

First, I cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions and set them aside.
Next, I heat oil in a pan over medium heat. I add sliced beef and cook until it’s browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Then, I remove the beef and cook onions and mushrooms in the same pan for about 5 minutes.
I add garlic and cook for another minute. After that, I stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
I return the beef to the pan, adding sour cream to create the sauce, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Finally, I serve the beef mixture over the cooked egg noodles.

This dish is delicious and sure to please anyone at the table.

2. Spicy Beef Penne Arrabbiata

a close-up shot of a bowl of penne pasta with meat sauce. the pasta is mixed with a rich, red sauce containing ground meat and diced tomatoes. a sprinkle of parmesan cheese tops the dish. the bowl is light-colored, and a spoon rests inside. two tomatoes are visible in the background

Spicy Beef Penne Arrabbiata is a flavorful pasta dish that combines beef with a spicy tomato sauce. The word “arrabbiata” means “angry” in Italian, which refers to the heat of the dish.

I find this recipe easy and quick to make. It typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Here are the basic steps:

Cook the beef: In a pan, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the fat.

Make the sauce: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add tomatoes: Pour in one can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes, along with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook the pasta: In a separate pot, boil water and cook 12 ounces of penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain when done.

Combine: Mix the beef sauce with the drained pasta. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

This dish is perfect for anyone who enjoys spicy food and a hearty meal.

3. Creamy Beef and Mushroom Fettuccine

a close-up of a bowl filled with fettuccine pasta, ground meat, and sliced mushrooms. the dish is coated in a creamy, light-colored sauce and sprinkled with parmesan cheese and herbs. the bowl is a light gray color with a dark rim, showcasing the textures and ingredients of the meal

Creamy Beef and Mushroom Fettuccine is a delightful dish made with tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a rich creamy sauce. It is a great option for a comforting meal.

I find this recipe easy to make, typically taking around 30 minutes. The ingredients include fettuccine pasta, ground beef, mushrooms, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

Here’s how I prepare it:

Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the beef: In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook over medium heat until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Break the meat apart as it cooks.
Add mushrooms and garlic: Stir in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes.
Make the sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.

Combine: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

This dish is satisfying and builds layers of flavor with simple steps.

4. Beef Bolognese with Spaghetti

a terracotta bowl filled with spaghetti and bolognese sauce. the spaghetti is golden, and the sauce is a rich red with visible ground meat and diced carrots. a sprinkle of parmesan cheese tops the dish. the bowl sits on a dark wooden surface, highlighting the warm tones of the meal

Beef Bolognese is a classic Italian sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and vegetables. It is rich, hearty, and pairs perfectly with spaghetti.

Making Beef Bolognese is quite simple. I find it easy to prepare, even for beginners. It requires basic ingredients and cooking techniques.

Here are the steps I follow:

Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil for about 5 minutes until soft.

Add ground beef and cook until browned. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30-40 minutes.

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions while the sauce simmers.
Combine spaghetti and sauce in a large bowl. Mix well.

I enjoy serving it with grated Parmesan cheese on top. This dish is comforting and tastes even better the next day.

5. Garlic Butter Beef and Broccoli Pasta

a white plate holds fettuccine pasta, cooked beef slices, and broccoli florets. the pasta is coated in a light sauce and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. the beef is brown and appears tender. the broccoli is bright green, and the dish is arranged artfully. the plate sits on a light surface

Garlic Butter Beef and Broccoli Pasta combines tender beef with fresh broccoli in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. It is both satisfying and easy to make.

To prepare this dish, I start by cooking the pasta. I usually use fettuccine or spaghetti. While the pasta cooks, I sauté thin slices of beef in a pan until they’re browned. This takes about 5 minutes.

Next, I add minced garlic and fresh broccoli florets. I let them cook together for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the broccoli stay bright and slightly crunchy.

Once the beef and broccoli are ready, I mix in the cooked pasta. I add melted butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness. A pinch of salt and pepper brings everything together.

This recipe is quick and is ready in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when I want something tasty but easy.

6. Cheesy Beef and Tomato Rotini

a bowl filled with rotini pasta and meat sauce. the sauce is a rich red with visible ground meat and tomato chunks. a sprinkle of shredded cheese tops the dish. the pasta is golden, and the bowl is light-colored. the dish is presented with a focus on the texture and ingredients

Cheesy Beef and Tomato Rotini is a delicious pasta dish that combines beef, rotini pasta, and a rich tomato sauce with melted cheese. This meal is comforting and packed with flavor.

Making this dish is quite easy. It usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

To prepare Cheesy Beef and Tomato Rotini, I follow these simple steps:

Cook the rotini pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes.

In a separate pan, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Add 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the beef. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix the cooked rotini into the beef and tomato mixture.

Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and let it melt into the pasta.
Serve hot, and top with more cheese if desired.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty weekend meal.

7. Taco Beef Pasta Salad

a metal pan filled with taco pasta salad. rotini pasta is mixed with ground meat, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado. a creamy dressing is drizzled over the top. the pan is silver, and the ingredients are colorful and arranged to show the variety of textures and flavors

Taco Beef Pasta Salad is a fun twist on traditional pasta. It combines hearty beef, colorful vegetables, and pasta, all dressed in zesty flavors inspired by tacos.

Making this dish is quite easy. I enjoy preparing it because it comes together quickly, perfect for a busy weeknight. The blend of ingredients makes it flavorful and satisfying.

To prepare Taco Beef Pasta Salad, I follow these simple steps:

Cook the Pasta: I boil 8 ounces of pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water.
Brown the Beef: In a skillet, I cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. I drain any excess fat.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, I combine the cooked pasta, beef, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of black beans, and 1 cup of corn.

Add Seasoning: I mix in a packet of taco seasoning and a 1/4 cup of ranch dressing to enhance the flavors.
Chill and Serve: After giving it a good toss, I let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Then, it’s ready to serve!

This dish is excellent as a main or side, and it’s always a hit at gatherings.

How Do You Pair Beef Pasta with Wine?

Choosing the right wine to pair with beef pasta can enhance the meal significantly. The flavors of both the dish and the wine need to complement each other. There are two main categories to consider: red wines and white wines. Each type offers unique pairing opportunities.

What Are the Best Red Wine Selections for Beef Pasta?

For beef pasta dishes, I recommend robust red wines. They enhance the flavors of the meat and can stand up to rich sauces. Here are a few excellent choices:

Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine is bold with dark fruit flavors. It pairs well with hearty beef sauces.

Merlot: Softer than Cabernet, Merlot has fruit-forward flavors that can complement a variety of beef pasta dishes.
Chianti: This Italian classic features bright acidity, which balances out richer sauces.

With red wines, look for options that have firm tannins, as they help to cut through the fat in beef dishes.

Are There White Wine Options That Pair Well with Beef Pasta?

While red wines are popular for beef, some white wines can also work well with certain beef pasta recipes. Here are my top picks:

Chardonnay: A full-bodied Chardonnay, especially those that undergo oak aging, can match the richness of creamy beef pasta.
Viognier: This aromatic wine offers floral notes and a creamy texture that pairs nicely with beef in lighter sauces.

Sauvignon Blanc: For a citrusy twist, Sauvignon Blanc can refresh the palate and is ideal for beef pastas with herb-based sauces.

Choosing a white wine can be a great way to explore different flavor profiles for your beef pasta.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Beef Pasta?

Beef pasta is not only delicious but also offers significant nutritional benefits. Its combination of beef and pasta delivers a variety of essential nutrients that support a balanced diet. I will explore the important protein content and the essential vitamins and minerals found in this hearty dish.

How Does Beef Pasta Provide a Good Source of Protein?

One of the standout benefits of beef pasta is its high protein content. Beef is an excellent source of protein, providing about 25 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. Protein plays a crucial role in building and repairing tissues, making it essential for growth and recovery.

Pasta also contributes to the protein content, especially if made from whole grains. This means that a serving of beef pasta can easily provide over 30 grams of protein. Including protein-rich foods in my diet helps maintain muscle mass and supports various bodily functions.

What Essential Vitamins and Minerals Are Found in Beef Pasta?

In addition to protein, beef pasta is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Beef is loaded with vital nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Iron: Important for oxygen transport in the blood, helping to prevent anemia.
Zinc: Supports the immune system and aids in wound healing.
B vitamins: Help convert food into energy and support brain health.

Pasta, particularly if enriched, can also add dietary fiber and B vitamins. Together, these nutrients work synergistically in beef pasta, contributing to my overall health and well-being.

7 Best Beef Pasta Recipes: Delicious Dishes for Every Occasion