Simple Pasta Recipe With Ground Meat And Onions
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Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? This Simple Pasta Recipe With Ground Meat And Onions is the perfect go-to meal for busy nights. Also known as “Macaroni Po-Flotski” or “Pasta A-La-Sailor,” this classic Russian dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and caramelized onions for a hearty and comforting meal. Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor—perfect for a family-friendly dinner!
Why You’ll Love Simple Pasta Recipe With Ground Meat And Onions
- Quick and Easy – This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal on the table fast. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a no-fuss dish anyone can make.
- Budget-Friendly – Made with pasta, ground meat, and onions, this recipe uses affordable pantry staples that won’t break the bank. It’s a great way to stretch ingredients and create a filling meal for the whole family.
- Comfort Food at Its Best – The combination of tender pasta, seasoned meat, and sautéed onions creates a warm and satisfying dish. It’s a hearty meal that brings a cozy, home-cooked feel to any dinner.
- Kid-Approved – The mild flavors and simple ingredients make this a great meal for kids. You can easily customize it by adding their favorite seasonings or a sprinkle of cheese on top.
- Versatile and Customizable – While delicious as-is, you can easily modify this recipe by using different types of pasta, swapping the protein, or adding extra veggies for more nutrients.
This recipe is Russian, and the Russian name of it is “Macaroni Po-Flotski” which translates as “Pasta A-La-Sailor”. It is made with the items that are always around (pasta, ground meat and onion), so it’s one of those great “emergency meals” :)
Ingredients For Simple Pasta Recipe With Ground Meat And Onions
- Pasta – Tubular pasta like ziti or rigatoni works best because it holds the meat mixture inside, making each bite extra flavorful.
- Ground Beef – Adds rich, savory flavor and protein to the dish. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option.
- Onion – Enhances the dish with a slightly sweet and savory depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Oil – Used for sautéing the onions and meat while adding a touch of richness.
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
The idea of this recipe is so simple, I’m surprised this meal is not too common! Ground beef and onions are cooked on a frying pan, then mixed with cooked pasta. This combo tastes really good – it’s a true comfort food!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Simple Pasta Recipe With Ground Meat And Onions
- Large Pot – Needed to cook the pasta until tender.
- Non-Stick Frying Pan – Used for sautéing the onions and browning the ground meat.
- Cooking Spoon – Helps stir and combine the ingredients evenly.
- Food Processor (Optional) – Can be used to finely chop the cooked meat and onions for a smoother texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient portions for the perfect dish.
The best type pasta for this recipe is tubular shape pasta such as ziti or rigatoni, and the pasta shells work well for this too. The reason for this is when pasta shapes have holes in them, some of the meat goes inside the pasta – delicious!
How To Make Simple Pasta Recipe With Ground Meat And Onions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and golden brown.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- (Optional) If you prefer a finer texture, pulse the cooked meat and onions in a food processor.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan. Add the cooked pasta and ground meat mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly coated with oil.
- Serve hot and enjoy this simple and satisfying meal!
Once you try the pasta with ground meat and see how easy and yummy it is, you will surely add it to your dinner rotation!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this pasta as a standalone meal, or pair it with an Authentic Russian Vinaigrette Salad with Beets for a fresh and balanced dinner.
- Add a sprinkle of Costco Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
- Pair with Simple Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread or Fluffy Frozen Rolls in the Air Fryer to soak up any extra juices from the dish.
- Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables such as Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli, Healthy Steamed Green Beans, or Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Slices for added nutrition.
- Enjoy with a warm bowl of soup, Hearty Corn and Chicken Tomato Soup, or Authentic Solyanka Soup with Olives and Pickles, for a cozy and hearty meal.
Tips For Success
- Choose the right pasta – Tubular pasta like ziti, rigatoni, or pasta shells works best because it traps the meat inside, making every bite flavorful. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, as it doesn’t mix as well with the meat.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Cook it until al dente so it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the meat. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Use a large pan for even cooking – A wide frying pan helps the onions and ground beef cook evenly without overcrowding. If the pan is too small, the meat may steam instead of brown.
- Season well – Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavors of this simple dish. You can also add garlic, paprika, or Italian seasoning for extra depth.
- Optional food processor step – Processing the cooked meat and onions creates a finer texture that blends more seamlessly with the pasta. This is a great option if you prefer a softer consistency.
- Mix everything well – After combining the pasta and meat mixture, stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. A little extra oil can help coat everything nicely.
- Make it ahead – This dish stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily, making it a great meal prep option for busy weeks.
Variations And Substitutions
- Use different meats – Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile. Ground turkey is a leaner option, while ground pork adds extra richness.
- Make it vegetarian – Swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms. You can also add tofu crumbles for a protein-packed alternative.
- Try different pasta shapes – While tubular pasta works best, you can use rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni. If you want a low-carb version, try using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Enhance the seasoning – Add garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning to boost the flavor. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can also add a savory depth.
- Incorporate vegetables – Stir in diced bell peppers, spinach, peas, or shredded carrots for extra nutrition. Sauté them with the onions for the best texture and flavor.
- Make it cheesy – Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella cheese for a creamy and indulgent twist. A dollop of ricotta or cream cheese can also add richness.
- Turn it into a casserole – Transfer the cooked pasta and meat mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Add a sauce – While this dish is traditionally served dry, you can mix in a little tomato sauce, marinara, or even a light cream sauce for extra moisture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the pasta cool completely before sealing the container to prevent excess moisture buildup.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating on the Stove: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little oil or butter. Stir in the pasta and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Reheating in the Oven: If reheating a large batch, spread the pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While tubular pasta like ziti or rigatoni works best, you can use penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. If you prefer a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta dish stores well and can be made in advance. Simply refrigerate it in an airtight container and reheat when ready to serve.
How can I add more flavor to this recipe?
You can enhance the dish by adding garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce also adds a rich umami flavor.
Can I make this dish without onions?
Yes, but the onions add a lot of flavor. If you prefer to skip them, try adding garlic or shallots for a similar depth of taste.
What can I serve with this pasta?
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a warm bowl of soup like tomato or minestrone.
Is this pasta kid-friendly?
Yes! The mild flavors and simple ingredients make it a great meal for kids. You can also mix in a little cheese or serve it with a side of their favorite veggies.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give it a little kick. You can also mix in spicy sausage instead of ground beef for extra heat.
Can I turn this into a baked pasta dish?
Yes! Transfer the cooked pasta and meat mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Other Easy Pasta Recipes
Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Snack – These crunchy, golden pasta chips are a fun and flavorful snack, seasoned to perfection and air-fried for an irresistible crunch.
One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Dinner – This easy one-pot meal combines taco-seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese for a creamy, flavorful dinner the whole family will love.
Quick Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe – Juicy chicken and al dente pasta are tossed in a vibrant basil pesto sauce for a fresh, flavorful, and quick dinner ready in minutes.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Linguine – Succulent shrimp are simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and served over tender linguine for a decadent seafood pasta dish.
20-Minute One-Pot Sausage and Pasta Meal – This hearty one-pot pasta dish features savory sausage, a flavorful tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
Homemade Pasta with Fresh Basil Pesto – Fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil blend into a classic pesto sauce that coats every bite of homemade or store-bought pasta.
Shrimp and Eggplant Pasta in Garlic Tomato Sauce – Tender shrimp and sautéed eggplant are tossed in a rich garlic-infused tomato sauce for a deliciously hearty and wholesome pasta dish.
Easy Pasta With Ground Beef And Onions
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta tubular shapes work best
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Large pot
- Non-stick Frying pan
- Cooking spoon
- Food Processor optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil on a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden-brown. Add the ground meat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- OPTIONAL STEP: Process cooked ground meat and onion mixture in a food processor.
- Heat another 1 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add cooked pasta and cooked ground meat and onion mixture. Stir until the pasta is coated with oil and mixed with the ground meat.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic, paprika, or Italian seasoning to the ground meat while cooking.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a pan with a little oil for the best texture.
More Russian Recipes
- Traditional Russian Eggplant Spread (Baklazhannaya Ikra)
- Russian Hedgehog Meatballs with Rice (Ezhiki)
- Russian-Style Cured Salmon Recipe
some delicious recipes on here. i love pasta!
I kind of like these simple and Russian! pasta recipes!
Another Great quick emergency recipe. So tasty and cheap! love it
Just made it for lunch. Yummy! Thanks!
Comfort food at its best easy to make and so tasty.
Love how simple and satisfying this pasta recipe is…