Pasta recipes with ground beef and marinara sauce

Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly dinner or just want something comforting, you can't beat ground beef and pasta; a marriage made in culinary heaven.

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Italian Pasta Bake

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.—Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana

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One-Pan Rotini with Tomato Cream Sauce

I like to make one-pan recipes and this one was proclaimed a clear winner by my family. Bonus: It’s also easy to clean up. Serve with crusty bread to dip into the sauce. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

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Slow-Cooker Cheesy White Lasagna

Here’s my best version of my favorite food—lasagna! The recipe is a winner, so it’s worth the extra prep. You’ll have plenty of time to plan side dishes while the main dish is cooking. —Suzanne Smith, Bluffton, Indiana

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Easy Beef-Stuffed Shells

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 stuffed shells with meat sauce. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

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One-Pot Spinach Beef Soup

My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the saltines. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida

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Pizza Noodle Bake

Here’s a family-pleasing casserole that comes together in a snap, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Double the recipe and freeze one for later! —Bernice Knutson, Soldier, Iowa

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Broccoli Beef Lo Mein

My family loves pasta, but I'm always looking for different ways to prepare it. This dish is better than any Chinese restaurant variety I've tried.—Joan Crandall, Burlington, Connecticut

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Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce

My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona

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Best Lasagna

Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois

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Beef Noodle Soup

This only takes a few minutes, but this beef noodle soup recipe tastes like it simmered all day. —Margery Bryan, Moses Lake, Washington

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Italian Hot Dish

My husband had a poor perception of healthy food until he tried this beefy casserole. The combination of pasta, oregano, mushrooms and green peppers makes it a favorite healthy pasta recipe in our house. —Theresa Smith, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

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Spaghetti Pie

A classic Italian combination is remade into a creamy, family-pleasing spaghetti pie. This recipe was given to me several years ago. My family never grows tired of it. — Ellen Thompson, Springfield, Ohio

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Favorite Baked Spaghetti

This baked spaghetti is my grandchildren's most-loved dish. It feels like such a special dinner and is so cozy for winter. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland

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Chili Mac Casserole

This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota

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Slow-Cooked Spicy Goulash

Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up my goulash recipe. Even the elbow macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana

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Meaty Spaghetti Sauce

My homemade spaghetti sauce got rave reviews, but it was so time-consuming to make on the stovetop. My family loves this flavorful slow-cooker version. —Arlene Sommers, Redmond, Washington

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Meatball Soup

This meatball soup recipe is a hearty meal. It's great for chilly days. —Sue Miller, Walworth, Wisconsin

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Hamburger Stroganoff

This easy hamburger stroganoff makes a quick weeknight dinner. I like to serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. —Deb Helmer, Lynden, Washington

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Beef and Spinach Lasagna

Using no-cook noodles gives you a jump start on assembling this hearty beef and spinach lasagna. It cuts nicely after standing a few minutes, revealing flavorful layers. —Carolyn Schmeling, Brookfield, Wisconsin

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Mexican Manicotti

Serve this hearty entree with Spanish rice, homemade salsa and tortilla chips. I've also made it without ground beef, and our friends who are vegetarians requested the recipe. —Lucy Shifton, Wichita, Kansas

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Ravioli Soup

We adore pasta, so I used it as the inspiration for this soup. The meaty tomato base pairs perfectly with the cheesy ravioli pillows. —Shelley Way, Cheyenne, Wyoming

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Hoosier Chili

This chili is a little sweeter than other recipes I've tasted, but I like it that way. It reminds me of the chili my mom used to make. —Jeanne Boberg, Muncie, Indiana

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Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

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. —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona

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Lasagna with White Sauce

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. —Angie Price, Bradford, Tennessee

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Cincinnati Chili

Cinnamon and cocoa give a rich brown color to hearty Cincinnati chili. This dish will warm you up on a cold day. —Edith Joyce, Parkman, Ohio

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Instant Pot Taco Pasta

This Instant Pot taco pasta is a welcome change from boring meals. I've taken all the flavors of tacos and created an easy pasta dish. Kids love the taste, and Mom loves how quick and easy it comes together. To lighten things up, use ground turkey. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts

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Pasta Napolitana

This is the ultimate meat lovers sauce and is my copycat version of The Cheesecake Factory's pasta. Rich and hearty, with tremendous flavors, this pasta Napolitana will disappear quickly. I always make extra sauce, as it freezes very well. —John Pittman, Northampton, Pennsylvania

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Dutch Oven Pasta Bake

I was in a hurry one night, so I went on a pantry search to see what I had on hand. I found penne pasta and decided to go Italian! We all ended up loving this satisfying Dutch oven pasta. And since the pasta cooks in the same pot, it's a real time saver, too. — Tammy Reid, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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Ramen Stir-Fry

This ramen stir-fry is unique and flavorful. The whole gang will enjoy the hearty, colorful meal-in-one. —Marlene McAllister, Portland, Michigan

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Hearty Penne Beef

This hearty penne beef recipe 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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Scrabble Soup

Many games involve letters, so I thought alphabet soup would be ideal to serve at my theme party, which included an evening of playing board games and cards. I concocted the hearty soup using ingredients I had on hand.

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Family-Favorite Cheeseburger Pasta

I created this cheeseburger pasta recipe to satisfy a craving. What a delicious, healthy classic! —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma

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Argentine Lasagna

My family is from Argentina, which has a strong Italian heritage and large cattle ranches. One of our favorite Argentinian recipes is this all-in-one lasagna packed with meat, cheese and veggies. —Sylvia Maenenr, Omaha, Nebraska

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Sloppy Joe Veggie Casserole

Sloppy joe flavor meets veggie lasagna wholesomeness. My family loves this dynamic duo, and you’ll love how simple it is to prepare. —Sue Schmidtke, Oro Valley, Arizona

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Spanish Spirals

I usually cook for only me and my husband, so I try to scale down most recipes. But I make this dish just the way it is because my husband loves the leftovers.—Sandy Pelfrey, North Canton, Ohio

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Chili Mac

This chili mac has regularly appeared on my family menus for more than 40 years, and it's never failed to please at potlucks and bring-a-dish gatherings. Sometimes I turn it into soup by adding a can of beef broth. —Marie Posavec, Berwyn, Illinois

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Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells

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, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Taco Pasta Salad

My family loves this savory taco pasta salad. Serve taco or corn chips on the side, and you have a complete meal. —Gert Rosenau, Pewaukee, WI

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Perfect Four-Cheese Lasagna

Lasagna is one of my favorites, and this is the recipe I’ve been making since I was a teenager. It’s a tantalizing combo of pasta, meat sauce, cheese and more cheese that really lives up to its name! —Lauren Delaney-Wallace, Glen Carbon, Illinois

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One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

When the weather's too chilly to grill, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy. —Carly Terrell, Granbury Texas

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Skillet Bow Tie Lasagna

This quick recipe tastes just like lasagna, but you make it on the stove. It's very tasty and is always a hit with my family. —Arleta Schurle, Clay Center, Kansas

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Dinner in a Bag

I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

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Penne Beef Bake

I had ground beef and veggies on hand so I came up with this pizza-flavored casserole. I never expected my family to love it so much. It's a good way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids. —Jennifer Wise, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

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Italian Beef and Shells

A veggie and pasta combo makes a hearty entree that comes together easily. Wine lends an extra touch of flavor to the sauce and makes this main dish a winner. —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio

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Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

I try to make foods that are not only kid friendly, but are also 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. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota

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Lasagna Toss

This easy skillet dish tastes just like lasagna without all the layering prep work. It's perfect for busy weeknights! —Sharon Martin, Denver, Pennsylvania

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Cheesy Beef Casserole

This hearty casserole tastes like lasagna and makes a satisfying meal when served with a green salad and garlic bread. —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin

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Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet

I remember my grandma making this stovetop supper many times—we always loved Granny’s spaghetti! My husband and I now enjoy making this for our dinner. You can easily use ground turkey instead of ground beef if that’s what you happen to have on hand. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana

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Eggplant Zucchini Bolognese

I roast the veggies while the pasta cooks, making this a quick dish. This meal in one blends rustic comfort with fresh flavors. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Tacos in a Bowl

This easy skillet dish offers a delicious use for leftover taco meat. Garnish it with sour cream and salsa for southwestern flavor. —Sue Schoening, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

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Chili-ghetti

I came up with this recipe when unexpected guests stopped by and I didn't have enough chili to go around. This spur-of-the-moment main dish is now a family favorite. —Cindy Cuykendall, Skaneateles, New York

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Ground Beef Stroganoff

MY mother-in-law gave me this recipe 25 years ago. It's been a staple in my meal planning ever since because it's easy and takes little time to prepare. I usually serve it with green beans or another vegetable and a salad. -Marjorie Kriegh, Nampa, Idaho

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Baked Spaghetti

Every time that I make this cheesy baked spaghetti, I get requests for the recipe. It puts a different spin on pasta and is great for any meal. The leftovers, if there are any, also freeze well for a quick dinner later in the week. —Ruth Koberna, Brecksville, Ohio

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Loaded Spaghetti Bake

Make this loaded pasta recipe your own, everyone loves it! It's also great made with leftover chicken from the previous night's dinner. You might prefer another hard cheese for the Parmesan…or just go with the cheddar and cornflake crumbs. —Marian Pappas, Lake Stevens, Washington

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Beef Noodle Casserole

This beef noodle casserole is perfect when there's a busy day coming up, because you can prepare it ahead of time. It's ideal for a potluck, too. The flavors blend together to create a delicious combination. —Grace Lema, Winton, California

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Chipotle Mac & Cheese

Beefy and bubbly, this Southwestern pasta bake heats up the dinner with a chipotle-pepper kick. Add more cayenne if you like it hot! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

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Easy Beef Stroganoff

I wanted to lighten up my mother-in-law's wonderful stroganoff recipe and came up with this tasty spin. In our home, we call my easy beef stroganoff "special noodles." —Jennifer Riordan, St. Louis, Missouri

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Skillet Lasagna

My husband loves this dish. It's easy, and helps promote the milk, cheese and beef products we produce on our farm. It makes a super supper. —Lucinda Walker, Somerset, Pennsylvania

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Meaty Pasta Casseroles

I love this recipe because it makes two hearty casseroles. Every time I make it I add a little something different, such as extra garlic, to give it an added boost of flavor. —Debra Butcher, Decatur, Indiana

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Taco-Filled Pasta Shells

I've been stuffing pasta shells with different fillings for years, but my family enjoys this version with taco-seasoned meat the most. The frozen shells are so convenient, because you can take out only the number you need for a single-serving lunch or family dinner. Just add zippy taco sauce and bake. —Marge Hodel, Roanoke, Illinois

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Slow-Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

This chunky soup is good to the last spoonful. It's my go-to recipe because it's so hearty and we all always want more. —Penny Novy, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

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Makeover Traditional Lasagna

I’ve never been quick to pass along my special recipes, but this one is so good that it’s become our family’s Christmas Eve tradition! —Michelle Behan, Littleton, Colorado

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One-Pot Spaghetti Dinner

Mamma mia! What’s the secret to this one-pot spaghetti? A homemade jar sauce and a one-pot cooking method makes this family favorite recipe quick and delicious. —Carol Benzel-Schmidt, Stanwood, Washington

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Sassy Southwest Stuffed Shells

When I was a child, my mom made this dish quite often. When I came across her recipe on an index card, I quickly copied it. Over the years, I have made very few changes to retain that taste-of-home memory. —Kellie Braddell, West Point, California

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Chili Macaroni and Cheese

What could be tastier on a cold winter day than chili or mac and cheese? Put them together and you have a terrific dish that warms you up and fills you up as well! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

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Ground Beef Spinach Alfredo Lasagna

With two types of sauces, ground beef, spinach and three kinds of cheese, this dish is super hearty and goes beyond the expected. When serving, be sure to scoop all the way down to the bottom of the slow cooker so everyone gets a good taste of all the yummy layers. —Deborah Bruno, Mira Loma, California

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One-Pot Dinner

"My family always comes back for seconds when this nicely seasoned skillet supper is on the table," reports Bonnie Morrow of Spencerport, New York. And it's nicely priced at 72 cents a serving.

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Italian Pasta Sauce

When my daughter Kris got married, her new husband made something special for their wedding buffet—a big batch of this thick, flavorful pasta sauce. His grandmother brought the recipe from Italy nearly 100 years ago. —Judy Braun, Juneau, Wisconsin

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Easy Swedish Meatballs

This recipe relies on ingredients we always have on hand. While the tender homemade meatballs cook in the microwave, make your favorite noodles on the stovetop to get this saucy entree on the table in minutes. —Sheryl Ludeman, Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Skillet Beef and Macaroni

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. —Maxine Neuhauser, Arcadia, California

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Country Bacon-Beef Mac and Cheese

This extra-meaty mac and cheese is easy to make in the slow cooker. Kids love it, and I like that I can sneak in some veggies. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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Couscous Meatball Soup

This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California

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Traditional Italian Wedding Soup

You don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Add homemade meatballs but use ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken.—Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana

Originally Published: April 18, 2021