Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a simple yet flavorful meal that brings together the comforting elements of pasta and beef in a delicious tomato-based sauce. The beef adds richness and heartiness to the dish, while the tomato sauce brings a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the noodles. It’s a great dish for meal prep, as it can be made ahead and reheated. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite type)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
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1 tablespoon tomato sauce or ketchup (optional, for added sweetness)
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
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Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
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Cook the Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
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Add the Onion and Garlic: Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
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Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine. Season with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
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Combine with Pasta: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
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Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
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Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
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Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
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Spicy Beef Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a bit of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
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Cheesy Version: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese to the sauce and stir until melted for a cheesy, creamy version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Dice about 6-8 medium tomatoes and cook them down to create your sauce. You may need to add a bit of tomato paste or sauce to thicken it.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish stores well and can be made ahead. Simply prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove or microwave.
What type of pasta should I use?
You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, spaghetti, rigatoni, or fusilli. Choose your favorite for the best experience.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Absolutely! For a cheesy variation, stir in some grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or provolone cheese into the sauce, or top your dish with cheese before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just check the other ingredients for hidden gluten if you’re sensitive.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a longer time to reduce. You can also add a spoonful of tomato paste or a little bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not spicy unless you add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Adjust the heat level based on your preferences.
Can I use homemade tomato sauce?
Yes, homemade tomato sauce works wonderfully in this dish! Just make sure to season it well with herbs, garlic, and spices for the best flavor.
Conclusion
Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, savory beef combined with a tangy tomato sauce is a classic combination that never goes out of style. Easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Add your favorite veggies or protein variations, and enjoy this comforting pasta meal!
Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, savory tomato sauce with seasoned ground beef. Packed with flavor, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for a delicious, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite type)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
-
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
-
1 tablespoon tomato sauce or ketchup (optional, for added sweetness)
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
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Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
-
Add the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
-
Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce (if using). Stir to combine. Season with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
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Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Variations:Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or any veggies you like for added flavor and nutrition.Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase the heat.Cheesy Version: Stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese to make it creamy and cheesy.Storage:Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
