Hearty Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Simmering beef pasta in tomato sauce creates a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace from an Italian grandmother.

Rich, savory aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising comfort in every bite.

Ingredients blend harmoniously, telling a story of traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe answers that call with robust flavors and simple preparation.

Fresh tomatoes and tender meat dance together, creating a symphony of taste that feels both familiar and exciting.

Delicate pasta captures the sauce perfectly, ensuring you experience maximum deliciousness in each forkful.

This recipe promises to become your new go-to meal when you want something satisfying and uncomplicated.

Easy Steps For Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Carefully scoop out some pasta water before draining. Set aside the cooked pasta.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces. Let the meat sizzle and transform into a rich, golden-brown color. Tip out any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Toss chopped onions into the same skillet. Let them dance and soften, releasing their sweet aroma. Sprinkle in minced garlic and watch it become fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Build Robust Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste

• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour in broth and let the mixture bubble gently. Allow the flavors to mingle and intensify for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Slide the cooked pasta into the bubbling sauce. Swirl and toss until every strand is gloriously coated. If the sauce looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky texture. Shower with Parmesan cheese and stir.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Scoop the steaming pasta onto warm plates. Scatter fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and freshness. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese for those who love an extra cheesy touch. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips To Make Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe Even Better

• Pasta Water Magic: Save the starchy pasta water to thin out the sauce and add a silky texture that helps the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.
• Lean Beef Swap: Choose ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option without sacrificing flavor and richness of the dish.
• Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, adding a pinch for mild warmth or more for a spicier kick.
• Cheese Enhancement: Grate fresh Parmesan directly over the dish for maximum flavor and a more intense cheesy experience compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• One-Pot Convenience: Use the same skillet for cooking beef, sautéing aromatics, and combining sauce to minimize cleanup and enhance flavor development.

How To Keep Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe Tasty Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover beef pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Revival: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently for 3-5 minutes until heated thoroughly, preventing sauce from sticking or burning.
• Freeze Option: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and flavor.

Top Picks To Pair With Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich beef and tomato sauce with a full-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the meat's richness and enhances the sauce's tangy flavors.
• Create a Crisp Side Salad: Balance the hearty pasta with a light, zesty mixed green salad dressed in a lemony vinaigrette, adding freshness and cutting through the sauce's intensity.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Add a crunchy, garlicky side of toasted bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast to the soft pasta and creating a complete meal experience.
• Match with Refreshing Beer: Choose a medium-bodied amber ale or Italian lager that complements the beef's savory notes and helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich pasta dish.

Tasty Twists On Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Beef Pasta: Enhance the sauce with diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Top with fresh cilantro and add a dollop of sour cream for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Beef Pasta: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and chopped fresh mint for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Creamy Roasted Vegetable Beef Pasta: Roast bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant before adding to the sauce. Stir in a splash of heavy cream and blend in some cream cheese for a rich, velvety texture.
• Quick Vegetable Loaded Pasta: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and sundried tomatoes. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a nutty, cheesy flavor that adds extra depth to the dish.

Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe: All Your Questions

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which you can easily adjust. Skip them for a non-spicy version or add more if you love heat.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Consider adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers during the sauce-making stage. This boosts nutrition and adds more flavor complexity to the dish.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

No worries! Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Just use about 1/3 of the amount compared to fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Why You’ll Love Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Speedy Weeknight Warrior: This beef pasta recipe delivers a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Classic: Loaded with rich tomato sauce, perfectly browned ground beef, and aromatic herbs, this dish offers a comforting, restaurant-quality taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: The recipe easily adapts to personal preferences by adjusting spice levels, swapping protein, or adding extra vegetables, making it a versatile go-to meal for different tastes and dietary needs.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious meal, appealing to home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimum effort.

What You’ll Need For Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Pasta, Ground Beef: Hearty base of the dish, perfect for a satisfying meal. Choose medium-sized pasta shapes that hold sauce well.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavors that add depth and richness. Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and extra virgin olive oil for a smooth taste.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Create a robust and tangy sauce base. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes with no added preservatives.
• Basil, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile. Fresh herbs are preferable but dried work well too.
• Broth: Adds moisture and extra flavor to the sauce. Beef or chicken broth both work great.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley or Basil: Provide a creamy, salty finish and bright garnish. Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor.

Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Beef Pasta brings rustic Italian comfort directly to dinner tables with rich tomato-infused flavors. Savory ground beef mingles with al dente pasta, creating a satisfying meal that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)

Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Garnish and Cheese:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Initiate pasta preparation by bringing a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Carefully extract and preserve a modest portion of cooking liquid before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a substantial skillet, introducing ground beef and methodically fragmenting the meat while browning. Eliminate superfluous fat if necessary.
3. Incorporate finely diced onions into the sizzling pan, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Introduce minced garlic, stirring until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
4. Cascade diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and concentrated tomato paste into the skillet. Sprinkle dried basil, oregano, fiery red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Pour broth, creating a harmonious blend, and allow the mixture to gently simmer, melding flavors.
5. Transport cooked pasta into the robust sauce, thoroughly coating each strand. Should the consistency feel dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired smoothness. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan, creating a luxurious coating.
6. Transfer the steaming pasta onto serving dishes, adorning with delicate fresh herbs and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved pasta water acts as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency, helping it cling perfectly to noodles and creating a silky texture.
• Beef Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned without overcrowding the pan, which prevents steaming and promotes delicious caramelization.
• Herb Freshness Boost: Swap dried herbs with fresh basil and oregano during summer for a vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Diet-Friendly Modifications: Easily transform this recipe into gluten-free by using zucchini noodles or alternative grain pastas, and make it lower-carb by reducing pasta quantity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg