Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. This family-friendly meal is easy to make and packed with flavors that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- One-Pan Friendly: Minimal dishes for easy cleanup.
- Versatile: Use your favorite type of pasta and adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Kid-Approved: A comforting, crowd-pleasing classic.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, pantry staples.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (lean or regular)
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite type)
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in mozzarella or ricotta for a creamy texture.
- Herb Boost: Use fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary for enhanced flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or tomato sauce to loosen. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, substitute diced fresh tomatoes for canned, but simmer them longer to break them down.
2. What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best as they hold the sauce well.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and store it separately. Cook the pasta fresh before serving and combine.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze the beef and tomato sauce mixture separately for up to 2 months. Cook fresh pasta when reheating.
5. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your tomato sauce is gluten-free.
6. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after browning the beef for extra depth of flavor.
7. Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild unless you add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Adjust spice levels to your preference.
8. Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes, reheat the beef in the skillet with the sauce to save time.
9. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming watery?
Simmer the sauce uncovered to reduce and thicken it. Avoid rinsing the pasta before combining.
10. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, marinara can be used in place of tomato sauce for a shortcut.
Conclusion
Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a classic, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy nights or a cozy family dinner. With its rich flavors, simple preparation, and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Serve it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
PrintBeef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe
This hearty Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. Made with tender ground beef, a flavorful tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a classic dish that’s simple and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Tomato Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Pour in the broth and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water. Mix in the Parmesan cheese.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- For a richer flavor, substitute red wine for part of the broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.