Ground beef carbonara is a hearty twist on the classic pasta dish that's rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It's also surprisingly easy to make with just 5 simple ingredients!

And for a more classic ground beef dinner, try my homemade hamburger helper stroganoff next!

This ground beef carbonara is a fun and cozy spin on the beloved Italian classic.

Traditional carbonara is all about that creamy egg and Parmesan sauce with crispy guanciale, but using ground beef instead makes it heartier, more budget-friendly, and just as delicious.

This version is perfect for a weeknight because it's quick, simple, and uses ingredients you probably already have.

It's the kind of meal that feels special but doesn't take a ton of effort-which is exactly the kind of dinner we all need sometimes.

Love ground beef recipes? Try my Ground Beef Gnocchi or this Beef Enchilada Soup next!

Why you'll love this ground beef carbonara

It's so simple to make-perfect for those nights when you just want dinner on the table without overthinking it.
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to pull this dish together.
It's a total winner for picky eaters-creamy, cozy, and so full of flavor that everyone will ask for seconds.

What you'll need

Beef - I recommend using lean beef to avoid excess grease. If your beef is a bit fattier, just drain off the extra fat after browning.

Pancetta - Traditional carbonara is made with guanciale but since that's kind of difficult to find outside Italy, pancetta is the next best thing.

You can also use your favorite bacon here - both smoked and unsmoked work pretty well!

Eggs - The eggs are what create that signature creamy sauce, so go for fresh, high-quality ones.

Parmesan - Freshly grated Parmesan is non-negotiable here! It melts perfectly into the sauce and gives that sharp, nutty flavor. Alternatively, use Pecorino Romano, which is the classic option for carbonara.

Spaghetti - Classic spaghetti is the perfect pasta for carbonara because it holds the creamy sauce so well but you can definitely swap in linguine or fettucine.

Pro tip

When adding the egg mixture, make sure the heat is turned off and toss the pasta quickly and evenly. This keeps the sauce creamy and silky instead of turning into scrambled eggs!

How to make beef carbonara

This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.

Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, draining excess fat if needed.

ground beef carbonara making instructions

While the beef cooks, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan, adding a splash of pasta water to make it a little smoother.

Add the cooked spaghetti and pancetta to the skillet with the beef, toss to combine, then turn off the heat and pour in the egg mixture. Toss again until the pasta is coated and creamy, then serve with extra Parmesan if you like.

Helpful tips for the best carbonara with ground beef

Salt your pasta water like the sea! This is where the spaghetti gets its flavor boost, so don't hold back.
Don't let the pancetta get too crispy; just cook it enough to bring out its flavor. If you let it go too far, it can get overly salty and tough.
As soon as the egg mixture hits the hot pasta, toss it like your life depends on it; that's how you coat every strand evenly.
Serve it immediately! This is not the kind of pasta you let sit around. It's best when it's fresh, hot, and creamy straight from the skillet to the table.

More cozy pasta recipes

If you've tried this ground beef carbonara recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I'd love to hear how it turned out.

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