Homemade Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe: Rich & Savory Joy

Crafting a mouthwatering beef pasta in tomato sauce brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Fragrant herbs and rich meaty flavors dance together in this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Hearty chunks of tender beef simmer alongside perfectly cooked pasta, creating a deeply satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet delicious, and this recipe answers that call perfectly.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each carefully balanced bite of savory goodness.

Robust tomato sauce coats every noodle, promising a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that everyone around the table will eagerly devour.

Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce That Warms The Soul

• Satisfy Hungry Crowds: Perfect for feeding a large family or group with its hearty and filling combination of tender beef and pasta.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Requires minimal ingredients and preparation steps, making it an ideal solution for busy households craving a delicious home-cooked meal.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that allows personal touches like adding extra herbs, vegetables, or cheese to match individual taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Comfort Food Delight: Delivers a warm, nostalgic dining experience that brings everyone together with its classic flavors and simple, satisfying ingredients.

Ingredients For Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the pasta dish.
• Pasta: The foundation of the recipe, offering a comforting and filling base for the savory sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The key ingredient that creates a classic, robust tomato sauce with deep flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics add depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
• Oregano, Basil, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that bring traditional Italian-style seasoning to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this sharp, salty cheese adds a delightful savory finish to the pasta.

How To Make Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Grab a spacious skillet and sizzle the ground beef over medium heat. Keep stirring and breaking up the meat until it transforms into a delicious golden brown color with no pink remaining.

Step 2: Develop Flavor Base

Toss in the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, dancing them around the skillet until they become soft and release their aromatic magic. The kitchen will start smelling incredible.

Step 3: Create Robust Sauce

• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce gently bubble and simmer, allowing all the flavors to mingle and create a mouth-watering blend. This process takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Perfect Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, boil your pasta in a separate pot following the package directions. Once tender, drain the pasta completely in a colander.

Step 5: Assemble And Garnish

Spread the cooked pasta on plates, then lovingly ladle the rich beef and tomato sauce over the top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra touch of deliciousness.

Tips To Perfect Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers amazing flavor.
• Enhance the sauce's depth by adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during simmering for a rich, complex taste.
• Boost nutrition by mixing in extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach during the cooking process.
• Prepare the sauce in advance and freeze for up to 3 months, making meal prep super convenient for busy weeknights.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant sauce that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.

Variations To Try With Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce

• Spicy Southwest Beef Pasta: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to the sauce. Top with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty Mexican-inspired meal.
• Mediterranean Lamb Pasta: Swap ground beef for ground lamb. Mix in crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and dried oregano. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a Greek-style experience.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Bolognese: Replace beef with a mix of chopped portobello and cremini mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of meat. Add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor.
• Creamy Beef Stroganoff Pasta: Stir in sour cream and Worcestershire sauce near the end of cooking.

Perfect Pairings For Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich beef and tomato sauce, cutting through the meaty flavors with its tannic structure.
• Complement with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a crisp mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette to provide a light, refreshing contrast against the hearty pasta dish, balancing the meal's richness.
• Add Garlic Bread on the Side: Toast crusty Italian bread with garlic butter to soak up the extra sauce, offering a crunchy texture and additional flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Create Herbal Garnish Finish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to introduce a bright, aromatic element that lifts the deep tomato and beef flavors, adding a fresh layer of complexity.

Storage Advice For Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated pasta and beef sauce will stay fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Transfer the cooled pasta and sauce to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water to prevent drying, and cover. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little water or broth to restore moisture, stirring gently until heated thoroughly and preventing sauce from sticking.

FAQs For Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This beef pasta dish is super easy to make, requiring basic cooking skills and simple ingredients. Even novice cooks can successfully prepare this comforting meal with clear step-by-step instructions.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each option will provide a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the recipe’s core characteristics.

• How can I make the sauce more flavorful?

Enhance the sauce by adding a splash of red wine while simmering, incorporating some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or using a mix of canned tomatoes like San Marzano for extra depth and richness.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely! Children typically love pasta with meat sauce, and this recipe offers a balanced, mild flavor that most kids enjoy.

Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Beef Pasta delights with rich Italian flavors, combining tender meat and silky noodles in a robust tomato sauce. Comforting ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 12 ounces (12 oz) pasta of your choice

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 can (28 ounces/28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
2. Reduce heat and incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and sprinkle dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow sauce to gently simmer for 12-15 minutes, developing rich, layered flavors.
4. Simultaneously, prepare pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes depending on pasta variety.
5. Drain pasta thoroughly and transfer to serving plates, creating a welcoming bed for the robust meat sauce.
6. Ladle the hearty beef and tomato sauce generously over the pasta, ensuring each portion receives an equal distribution of meat and sauce.
7. Finish the dish with a liberal dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which will slightly melt and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this classic dish.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of red wine during the sauce simmering stage for deeper, richer taste notes.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Prepare extra sauce and freeze in portions for quick future meals, maximizing your cooking efficiency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg