Ground Beef Pasta Sauce

Ground Beef Pasta Sauce is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Rich with tomatoes, herbs, and savory ground beef, this versatile sauce pairs perfectly with any pasta and can be made in one pan with simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sauce is the definition of comfort food—easy to make, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and freezes well for future meals. Whether you’re tossing it with spaghetti, layering it into lasagna, or spooning it over penne, this sauce will become a go-to in your kitchen for its rich taste and reliable results.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• Tomato paste (optional, for richness)
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
• Cooked pasta of your choice (for serving)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic.
6. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add grated carrots or diced bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• Stir in mushrooms or zucchini for more texture and nutrition.
• Use Italian sausage or ground turkey instead of ground beef.
• Add a splash of red wine or beef broth for a deeper flavor.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Freeze cooled sauce in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives.

Do I need to drain the beef?

If your ground beef has high fat content, draining helps keep the sauce balanced and not greasy.

What kind of tomatoes should I use?

Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree work best. You can also use diced tomatoes for more texture.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after sitting, as the flavors meld beautifully.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered longer or add a spoonful of tomato paste.

Is this sauce freezer-friendly?

Absolutely—freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for future meals.

What pasta works best?

Spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all pair well with this hearty sauce.

How do I make it spicier?

Increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, just use about 3 times the amount of fresh herbs and add them toward the end of cooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it doubles (or triples) well—just use a larger pot.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Pasta Sauce is a timeless staple that delivers comfort and flavor with every bite. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for busy families or solo cooks alike, this homemade sauce will quickly become a trusted favorite. Whether you’re cooking for now or prepping for later, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

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