Savory Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe: A Dinner Delight

Weeknight dinners demand something deliciously quick and satisfying, like this hearty beef pasta in tomato sauce that promises comfort on a plate.

Tender pasta spirals swim in a rich, robust sauce packed with ground beef and deep tomato flavors.

Every forkful carries the warmth of home-cooked goodness, blending simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal.

The sauce simmers with aromatic herbs and a hint of garlic, creating layers of irresistible taste.

Protein-packed and deeply flavorful, this one-pot wonder comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Freshly grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

Dive into this classic recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients That Go In Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Pasta: Tender foundation that catches the rich sauce and adds satisfying texture, select a shape like penne or rigatoni that holds sauce well..

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein adding robust depth, choose lean cuts for less grease and better flavor integration..
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that enhances beef browning and prevents sticking, select extra virgin for richer taste..
• Onion: Aromatic base that provides sweet underlying depth, pick fresh firm onions without soft spots..
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that elevates the entire dish, choose plump cloves with tight skin..

• Diced Tomatoes: Chunky texture creating rustic sauce body, select high-quality canned tomatoes for consistent flavor..
• Tomato Sauce: Smooth liquid binding ingredients, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels..
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated richness that deepens sauce complexity, look for tubes for easier storage..
• Beef Broth: Liquid enhancer adding moisture and depth, choose low-sodium versions for better control..
• Basil: Fresh herbal note bringing brightness, select vibrant green leaves without wilting..
• Oregano: Earthy undertone complementing tomato flavors, use dried for consistent taste..
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat provider for spice lovers, adjust quantity based on personal preference..
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning balancers, use freshly ground for maximum flavor..

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty topping adding luxurious richness, grate fresh for best melting.

Cooking Tools For Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of room and salt.
• Skillet or Large Pot: Perfect for browning beef and creating sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Helps dice onions and mince garlic precisely.
• Colander: Used to drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for measuring broth and pasta water.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Serving Plates: For presenting the delicious pasta dish.

Simple Instructions For Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water with a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until tender, keeping some cooking water aside. Drain and set pasta ready for later.

• Beef Browning

Heat a skillet and cook ground beef until it turns a rich, deep brown color. Break the meat into small, even pieces while cooking.

• Flavor Foundation

Toss chopped onions into the beef pan, letting them soften and release their sweet aroma. Add minced garlic for an extra burst of flavor, stirring quickly to prevent burning.

• Sauce Creation

Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, creating a rich base. Sprinkle herbs for depth, letting them simmer and blend together. Allow the sauce to develop a deep, robust flavor.

• Final Fusion

Combine the cooked pasta with the hearty beef sauce. Gently mix, ensuring every pasta piece gets coated with the delicious sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a perfect consistency.

• Serving Moment

Transfer the steaming pasta to plates. Garnish with fresh herbs and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Enjoy the comforting, home-style meal immediately while it’s hot.

Ways To Add Flavor To Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Perfect Pasta Prep Tricks
• Reserve Pasta Water Magic: Always save some starchy pasta water before draining. This liquid gold helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
• Meat Browning Pro Tip: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve a deeper, more flavorful caramelization. High heat and avoiding overcrowding the pan ensures beautiful golden-brown edges.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Let the sauce simmer longer to develop richer, more complex tastes. The extra time allows herbs and spices to fully release their aromatic compounds.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: For gluten-free options, use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta. Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Leftover Love: This pasta tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to refresh the sauce's consistency.

Ideas For Serving Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Comfort Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for weekend dinners or when you need extra comfort.
• Pasta Night Upgrade: Transform your regular pasta night by adding fresh herbs, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and maybe a side of garlic bread for a restaurant-style experience.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich tomato and beef flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot. The wine's acidity will beautifully balance the sauce's richness.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Make extra sauce and freeze in portions for busy weeknights. Reheat quickly and toss with fresh pasta for an instant delicious dinner.

Storage Tips For Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cooling Technique: Allow pasta to cool completely before refrigerating, preventing condensation that could make the sauce watery and soggy.
• Smart Storage Duration: Keep beef pasta in the refrigerator for 34 days, ensuring optimal taste and safety when sealed tightly in sealed containers.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold pasta by adding a splash of water or broth when microwaving, helping restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

Hearty Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Hearty beef pasta in tomato sauce delivers comfort through rich Italian-inspired flavors. Robust meat and silky sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid before draining.
2. Meat Browning: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add ground beef and break into crumbles while browning. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Aromatic Base: Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. The kitchen will fill with a rich, savory aroma.
4. Sauce Development: Introduce diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the skillet. Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour broth and simmer, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
5. Pasta Integration: Combine cooked pasta with the robust sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Adjust consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water. Stir in Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, luxurious texture.
6. Final Presentation: Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh herbs and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately while steaming hot, capturing the dish’s full flavor profile.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just shy of package instructions to maintain al dente firmness, preventing mushy results. Reserve pasta water strategically for sauce consistency adjustments.
• Control Meat Browning: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure proper beef caramelization, developing deeper flavor complexity and preventing steaming instead of searing.
• Balance Sauce Intensity: Adjust tomato paste and herbs proportionally to prevent overwhelming acidity. Taste and season progressively, allowing flavors to develop during simmering process.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for vegetarian version. Use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly adaptation, ensuring similar texture and taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg