If you are craving a meal that hits all the right notes—hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor—you have to try the Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This dish combines tender pasta with a rich, savory tomato sauce loaded with perfectly browned ground beef and aromatic herbs. Every bite is a celebration of simple, quality ingredients coming together to create a satisfying, crowd-pleasing classic that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and warms your soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients sets you up for success. Each one plays a crucial role, from the meaty richness and depth of the beef to the tangy brightness of crushed tomatoes and the delightful herbaceous notes that bring the sauce alive.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice): Choose a sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well for that perfect bite every time.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a robust base flavor that makes the dish satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps gently sauté the onions and garlic to unlock their sweetness.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Gives a mild, savory sweetness that forms the sauce’s flavorful foundation.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings an irresistible aroma and a gentle kick that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient for a luscious, tangy, and slightly sweet tomato sauce.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and deepens the color and texture of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian herbaceous note that brightens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that blends perfectly with oregano.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle, warming heat that awakens your taste buds without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance every flavor in the dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Adds a salty, umami punch and creamy texture when stirred in.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional): A fresh herb garnish that adds a pop of color and brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it’s perfectly al dente—firm but tender. This ensures your pasta has the ideal bite and won’t turn mushy once mixed with the sauce. Once cooked, drain and set it aside, ready to soak up all the delicious flavors of the tomato sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it gently until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until its fragrant aroma fills the kitchen—it’s a crucial step that wakes up the sauce with savory depth.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Introduce the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns evenly. This step builds rich, meaty flavor that’s absolutely essential. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy and let the flavors concentrate.
Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook it with the beef for about a minute, which intensifies the tomato flavor and develops a nice depth. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes, and sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This slow bubbling thickens the sauce and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Finish with Cheese
Once the sauce is rich and aromatic, add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet or sauce pan and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for a luscious, creamy texture that ties it all together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—it’s all about getting it just right for your palate.
How to Serve Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a fresh herbaceous lift and vibrant color. Don’t forget an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for those who adore a salty, cheesy finish that melts perfectly into the warm pasta.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The light freshness or crunch from these sides complements the rich sauce and beef perfectly, making your meal feel complete and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual bowls topped with a basil leaf or even stuff the sauced beef mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking. These ideas elevate the classic Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe into a visual treat that’s sure to impress your guests or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this beef pasta dish store beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months by placing the pasta and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the quality and texture when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir often to ensure even heating and to keep the pasta tender and saucy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives, and even plant-based ground “meat” can be substituted for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure your chosen protein is fully cooked and flavorful.
What pasta is best for beef pasta in tomato sauce?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rigatoni are ideal because their ridges and tubes hold onto the rich tomato sauce, giving you more flavor with every bite.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes to add a gentle heat. You can skip those entirely for a mild dish or increase the amount if you love a bit of spice in your meals.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini blend seamlessly into the sauce and boost both nutrition and texture, making it even more delicious and wholesome.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce?
Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente and drain it well before tossing it in the sauce. Mixing the pasta and sauce right after cooking prevents the pasta from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
When you want a meal that brings comfort, flavor, and simplicity together in one pot, the Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is just what you need. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with guests. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly find it’s destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce recipe is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired main course that features tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and spices, combined with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make family meal, balanced with savory meat, tangy tomatoes, and a touch of cheese for depth.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink. If there is excess fat, drain it off before proceeding.
- Add Tomato Paste and Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken and develop rich flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato and beef sauce. Toss well to combine so that every piece of pasta is coated thoroughly.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts slightly into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta hot, adding extra Parmesan cheese on the side for guests who want more. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful beef pasta in tomato sauce.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.
