Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with your next weeknight dinner hero: Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce. This one-pan wonder unites savory ground beef, tangy crushed tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta into a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and Italian-American classic. Every bite is rich, hearty, and soul-warming, with just the right amount of seasoning to keep you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fussy here — just simple ingredients working together to create something truly delicious. Every component of Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce plays its own special role, from the aromatic garlic and onion to the hearty beef and melty Parmesan cheese. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Pasta (12 oz, penne, rigatoni, or your choice): These shapes trap the chunky sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your family favorite!
- Ground beef (1 lb): Makes the sauce ultra-satisfying and brings a deep, savory flavor to every forkful.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds silkiness and helps everything cook up golden and fragrant.
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Starts the sauce off with a lovely sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for fragrance and that unmistakable Italian kick.
- Crushed tomatoes (1, 28 oz can): The tangy, saucy base that brings the whole dish together.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): For a richer tomato flavor and a thicker, more luscious sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds an aromatic, herby warmth reminiscent of classic trattorias.
- Dried basil (½ teaspoon): Enhances the bright flavor profile of the tomatoes.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential to bring out the flavors of both the sauce and beef.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a balanced, gently spicy finish.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): A kick of heat for those who like it lively!
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Salty, nutty, and utterly irresistible when it melts into the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds color and a refreshing burst at the very end.
How to Make Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your chosen pasta shape according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside. This ensures that your pasta won’t get mushy when it’s combined later with the deliciously thick tomato and beef sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and give it just 30 seconds to bloom and become fragrant — don’t let it burn, for best flavor!
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This adds incredible depth and a savory base to your Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce. If there’s excess grease, drain it off.
Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about 1 minute so it caramelizes slightly, sweetening the sauce and intensifying the tomato hit. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and (if you’d like a bit of heat) the red pepper flakes. Give everything a good mix and let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now for the best part: add the cooked (and drained) pasta directly into the sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is beautifully coated. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and enriches the sauce — it’s pure magic!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once everything is hot and melded, turn off the heat and sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley across the top. Serve your Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce piping hot and watch it disappear from bowls in record time.
How to Serve Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce
Garnishes
A final flourish of garnishes can really elevate your Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce. Try an extra shower of fresh parsley, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, or even a drizzle of good olive oil for glossy richness. If you like it spicy, an extra pinch of red pepper flakes gives a lively finish.
Side Dishes
This comforting pasta begs for a simple, crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. A basket of warm, crusty bread (or garlic bread, if you’re feeling indulgent) is ideal for swiping up every last bit of sauce. For something refreshing, roasted or steamed vegetables add a nice balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress, serve Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce family-style in a big, shallow platter so everyone can dig in. For individual portions, add a swirl of sauce in each bowl and pile the pasta high with extra toppings on the side. If you’re feeing festive, set out bowls of grated cheese, chili flakes, and fresh herbs so guests can customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a meal-prep hero! Let your leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; the flavors get better with time, making lunch or dinner the following day even more delicious.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some for later, simply spoon portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (flatten bags for easy stacking). Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Gently rewarm leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or a little extra tomato sauce to refresh the pasta. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well and will lighten up the dish a bit. Just keep in mind that beef brings more richness, so a splash of olive oil or a bit of extra cheese can help amp up the flavor if you use leaner meats.
What types of pasta work best in Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce?
Short, chunky shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even rotini are best as they trap more sauce and beef in every bite. But ultimately, whatever you have in the pantry will make for a cozy and delicious dinner.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is naturally gluten-free — just be sure your packaged ingredients (like tomato paste) don’t have hidden gluten.
Is it possible to make this in advance for meal prep?
Definitely! Cook completely, cool, and divide among airtight containers. This dish holds up wonderfully in the fridge for several days and heats up easily, making it a fantastic option for busy weeks.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
For extra indulgence, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter just before serving. This little trick enriches Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce and gives you that irresistible, silky-smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and easy enough for any night of the week, you can’t go wrong with Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce. Grab your ingredients, invite your favorite people to the table, and dig in to this beloved classic — I promise, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen in no time!
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Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce recipe that is quick and easy to make. Tender pasta is tossed in a rich tomato sauce with seasoned ground beef, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
Beef Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Prepare the beef sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil, sauté onion, add garlic, brown ground beef, add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, seasonings, and simmer.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, mix in Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter before serving.
- Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
