Easy Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Have you ever craved a hearty beef pasta in tomato sauce that makes your kitchen smell incredible?

Delightful aromas will soon fill every corner of your home.

Tender chunks of beef nestle perfectly among al dente pasta strands.

Robust tomato sauce brings rich, comforting flavors that speak directly to your soul.

Mediterranean herbs dance through this classic dish, creating layers of irresistible taste.

Each bite promises warmth and satisfaction that connects you to traditional home cooking.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular meal that will become your new dinnertime favorite.

What Makes Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce So Satisfying

• Using simple, pantry-staple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal shopping and preparation effort.
• Kids and adults alike will love this classic, satisfying dish that combines tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that comes together in a single skillet, making it an ideal solution for those who want delicious food without a mountain of dishes afterward.

What You Need for Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the base of this hearty dish.
• Ground Beef: Provides rich protein and robust flavor to the recipe.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates the foundational sauce that binds the pasta and beef together.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and savory notes to the overall flavor profile.
• Basil, Oregano: Traditional Italian herbs that enhance the sauce's Mediterranean character.
• Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential seasonings that balance and add complexity to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that adds a salty and nutty finish to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and prevents sticking during cooking.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and freshness to the tomato sauce.

How to Prepare Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil.

Gently add the ground beef to the pan.

Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook the beef until it develops a deep golden-brown color and becomes crispy around the edges, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef-filled skillet.

Stir and cook these aromatics until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Build Robust Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.

• Fresh basil
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes

Allow the sauce to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld and intensify for 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Combine the cooked pasta with the rich, bubbling sauce.

Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is beautifully coated.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the saucy pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Best Tips for Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce

• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Add salt to ground beef during cooking to help break down proteins and enhance meat's natural flavor.
• Allow sauce to simmer slowly to develop deeper, richer tomato flavor and tenderize the meat.
• Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; it helps create a silkier sauce and adds subtle seasoning.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley just before serving to elevate the dish's aroma and brightness.

Keeping and Reheating Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce

• Store leftover beef pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the pasta's texture and prevents overcooking.

Pairing Ideas for Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold, medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich beef and tomato sauce, enhancing the meal's depth and flavor.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish and add refreshing contrast.
• Select Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted Italian bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide a perfect textural accompaniment.
• Match with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a malty amber ale or hoppy IPA that cuts through the richness of the beef and provides a complementary flavor profile to the tomato-based sauce.

Tasty Twists on Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal while keeping the hearty tomato sauce.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast for a similar savory profile that works for those avoiding dairy products.

FAQs

• How can I make the sauce more flavorful?

Add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar while simmering to enhance the depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also boost the taste profile.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned properly.

• What if I want to reduce the spiciness?

Simply omit the red pepper flakes or use a smaller amount. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out any heat and reduce the overall spiciness of the sauce.

• Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the sauce, and opt for whole wheat pasta to increase the nutritional value of the dish.

Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Beef Pasta celebrates Italian comfort with rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce and tender meat nestled among perfectly cooked noodles. Savory flavors and simple ingredients promise a satisfying meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• Optional: Parmesan cheese for serving

Pasta and Primary Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or favorite pasta
• 28 ounces (794 grams) tomato sauce
• 14 ounces (397 grams) diced canned tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted water reservoir to a rolling boil in a large pot, then immerse pasta and cook until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Fire up a skillet with olive oil at medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef, methodically crumbling while searing. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until richly caramelized and thoroughly browned, approximately 6 minutes.
3. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic into the sizzling beef. Sauté until onions transform into a translucent, soft texture, roughly 4 minutes.
4. Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the meat mixture. Sprinkle fragrant basil, robust oregano, and optional spicy red pepper flakes. Allow sauce to gently simmer for 18 minutes, letting flavors meld and intensify.
5. Gently fold cooked pasta into the robust sauce, ensuring each strand gets thoroughly coated. Taste and fine-tune seasoning as needed.
6. Transfer to serving plates, crowning with delicate Parmesan cheese shavings for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality pasta like rigatoni or penne for better sauce absorption and texture.
• Beef Browning Trick: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve a deeper, caramelized flavor and prevent steaming.
• Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a brighter, more vibrant taste profile in the sauce.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg