This ground beef rotini pasta is one of those meals that just works.
It’s simple, quick, and just delicious.
Similar to my plant-based jackfruit rotini pasta (without the meat), this is the kind of dinner you can throw together on a weeknight without thinking too hard, but still tastes like you did.
The recipe starts with well-seasoned ground beef, cooked until browned, then simmered in a savory sauce made with hoisin, beef broth, garlic, ginger, and coconut aminos.
The sauce is thickened just enough to coat the rotini pasta.
It’s sweet, salty, slightly herby, and just the right amount of saucy.
If you’ve got picky eaters or just want something that doesn’t require a ton of ingredients, this one checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Want to Try This Ground Beef Rotini Pasta
This recipe is great when you don’t feel like measuring out twenty things or babysitting a pot for hours.
It’s simple enough to make with what’s already in the pantry, and the steps are easy to follow.
Rotini pasta is great here because all the little twists hold onto the sauce.
The hoisin adds a deep, slightly sweet flavor, while the coconut aminos (or soy sauce) and garlic bring balance.
You can keep it basic or dress it up, depending on what you have.
Add tomato sauce for added richness, or skip the brown sugar if you prefer a more savory flavor. It’s flexible.
What You’ll Need For Ground Beef Pasta
Rotini pasta: Any brand works. The shape holds sauce really well.
Ground beef: Use lean if you want to keep it lighter, or regular for extra richness.
Oil: Just a little for browning the meat.
Minced garlic and ginger: These add depth and warmth.
Beef broth: Adds flavor and helps create the sauce.
Hoisin sauce: I like to use gluten-free hoisin sauce because it brings a slightly sweet, sticky, umami flavor.
Coconut aminos (or soy sauce): Adds saltiness and balances the sweetness.
Brown sugar (optional): Just a little goes a long way if you want that hint of sweetness. You can skip it.. It’s totally up to you.
Tomato sauce (optional): Adds richness and complements the sauce if you prefer a tomato base.
Cornstarch (mixed with water): Helps thicken the sauce to coat the pasta.
Seasoning: salt, black pepper, thyme, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Fresh cilantro (optional): For topping…it adds color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Ground Beef Rotini Pasta
Step 1: Cook the ground beef and build the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, thyme, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned.
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the beef broth, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, coconut aminos, and brown sugar (if using).
You can also add tomato sauce at this point if you want a thicker, more saucy pasta.
Let everything simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
Step 2: Thicken the sauce
Mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then stir it into the skillet.
Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Cook and combine the pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the rotini in salted boiling water according to the package directions.
Once it’s done, drain it and add it straight into the skillet with the beef and sauce.
Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated.
Top with chopped cilantro if you like, or leave it as is. Serve hot.
Tips and Variations
- Want it creamier? Stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Don’t have hoisin sauce? Add a splash of ketchup and soy sauce as a quick sub.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Leftovers heat up well the next day, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
This ground beef rotini pasta is one of those dinners that just slides into your regular rotation without even trying.
It’s easy, filling, and full of flavor without a lot of steps.
Whether you keep it simple or tweak it to your taste, it’s the kind of meal that makes sense on a busy weeknight.
Ground Beef Rotini Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp oil - for cooking
- 3 garlic cloves - minced
- 1 tsp ginger - minced fresh ginger
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos - or soy sauce
- ½ tsp brown sugar - optional
- ¼ cup tomato sauce - optional
- 1 tbsp cornstarch - + 2 tablespoons water, mixed to thicken
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- cilantro - optional, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the rotini pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, beef broth, hoisin sauce, coconut aminos, and brown sugar. Add tomato sauce if using. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is well coated.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
