Beef and Rotini Garlic Pasta is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish made with tender ground beef, rotini noodles, and a savory garlic-infused sauce. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta is rich, filling, and full of garlicky goodness. The rotini’s spiral shape holds onto every bit of the savory beef sauce, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite. It’s quick to prepare and highly customizable to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rotini pasta
- Ground beef
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, diced
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Directions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Toss in the cooked rotini and mix until well combined.
- Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan and parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
Serves 4. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total: 30 minutes.
Variations
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or sausage
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition
- Use marinara sauce instead of tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor
- Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are great alternatives.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes—store the pasta and sauce separately for best texture. Combine and reheat before serving.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
Yes—use finely chopped fresh tomatoes, but you may need to simmer longer.
How can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes—freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat thoroughly.
Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time and ensure the beef is well-heated and seasoned.
Does this work with leftover pasta?
Yes, toss in already cooked pasta during the final mixing stage.
How can I make it creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking.
What herbs go well with this dish?
Basil, oregano, or thyme work well in addition to Italian seasoning.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—simply double all ingredients. Use a larger pan to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
Beef and Rotini Garlic Pasta is a quick, satisfying meal that’s full of bold, savory flavors. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and ideal for any night when you want something comforting and delicious.
PrintBeef and Rotini Garlic Pasta
Beef and Rotini Garlic Pasta is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish made with tender ground beef, rotini noodles, and a savory garlic-infused sauce. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Add cooked rotini to the skillet and toss until pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or sausage for variety.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for more nutrition.
- Use marinara instead of tomato paste for a tomato-forward version.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are suitable alternatives.
- Freeze leftovers up to 1 month; thaw and reheat before serving.
- To make it creamier, add a splash of cream or cream cheese at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg