Welcome to cozy pasta heaven! Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is the kind of comforting, vibrant dinner you crave on both busy weeknights and slow weekends. Ground beef sizzles with onions, garlic, herbs, and a big splash of rich tomato, making your kitchen smell absolutely incredible. Twirl it all up with tender pasta, finish with a generous shower of Parmesan, and you’ve got the ultimate pasta dish that’ll bring everyone to the table (and back for seconds).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are beautifully simple, but every one of them brings something essential to the table—whether it’s building deep flavor, creamy richness, or that splash of color that just makes everything more tempting. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters for achieving Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe.
- Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing, adds a subtle fruitiness and helps everything cook evenly.
- Yellow Onion: Diced and softened, it creates a sweet, aromatic backbone for your sauce.
- Garlic: Minced and quickly sautéed for a bold, savory punch (but be careful not to burn it!).
- Ground Beef: The star of your dish, bringing hearty flavor and protein to every bite.
- Salt: Absolutely essential for bringing out all the hidden flavors in your sauce.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
- Dried Oregano: An Italian classic; it infuses your sauce with unmistakable herbiness.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle warmth that wakes up the entire dish.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens your sauce for that luscious finish.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The main event—rich, tangy, and perfect for sauce-making.
- Beef Broth: Adds extra savory depth and keeps the sauce extra juicy.
- Penne or Rigatoni Pasta: Tubular shapes really catch all the sauce and beef (feel free to swap in your favorite pasta).
- Parmesan Cheese: For salty, nutty magic; stir plenty in and don’t skimp when serving.
- Fresh Basil (optional): A fresh, peppery finish for the perfect pop of green.
How to Make Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced yellow onion and let it sauté for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. This quick step unlocks the sweet, savory flavor that forms the base of every great tomato sauce. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, until it smells beautifully fragrant but not browned (nobody likes bitter garlic!).
Step 2: Brown the Beef with Seasonings
Now, add the ground beef to your softened onions and garlic. Sprinkle it with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and those crushed red pepper flakes if you’re a fan of a little warmth. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks, making sure it gets completely browned and loses any hints of pink. As the meat browns, those spices and aromatics blend right into the beef, soaking it with flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Build the Sauce
Once your beef is browned, clear a little space in the pan and stir in the tomato paste. Let it sizzle for about a minute—this toasting step concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a touch of sweetness. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then give everything a hearty stir. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer, then drop the heat and let it bubble away uncovered for 15–20 minutes. During this time, the sauce thickens and all those flavors meld into something truly special for your Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, set a big pot of salted water to boil. Cook your penne or rigatoni according to package directions until perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to stir every now and then to keep things from sticking. Once the pasta is just right, drain it—but don’t rinse it! Skipping the rinse helps sauce cling to every single piece.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your hot, drained pasta straight into the simmering meat sauce. Stir everything together so the noodles are luxuriously coated and soak up all that beefy, herby flavor. Let it cook together for another 2–3 minutes. This extra step lets the pasta and sauce truly become one. Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil (if using) until creamy and fragrant.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Dish up the Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe while it’s piping hot, with even more Parmesan and a sprinkle of extra basil for that irresistible finish. Each bite should be rich, savory, and deeply satisfying—just the way comfort food is meant to be.
How to Serve Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing brings a lovely bowl of pasta to life quite like the perfect garnish! Shower yours with extra grated Parmesan for salty richness, a handful of fresh basil leaves for color and herbaceous punch, or even a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil adds beautiful sheen and subtle flavor right before serving.
Side Dishes
Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe pairs wonderfully with all sorts of sides. Try a crisp green salad (something peppery with arugula or radicchio is extra nice), soft garlic bread for mopping up every bit of sauce, or simple roasted vegetables. For a heartier spread, add a platter of roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus to brighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the pasta family-style in a big shallow serving bowl, topped with swoops of sauce and generous curls of Parmesan. Or make individual portions in shallow bowls for an elegant dinner party touch. Serving in mini baking dishes with a broiled cheese topping offers a bubbly, golden twist that’s somewhere between pasta bake and pure comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are unquestionably delicious. Let any extra Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce might thicken a little overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more wonderful!
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, simply cool the pasta and sauce completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use your microwave’s defrost setting for a quick fix; the flavors hold up beautifully even after freezing.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! Italian sausage is a fantastic (and flavorful) swap, or you could use ground turkey or chicken if you’d like something a bit lighter. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste and cook thoroughly before adding the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
You sure can! Replace the ground beef with your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative or a combination of sautéed mushrooms and chopped spinach. Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and you’ll have just as hearty and delicious a meal.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
There are lots of ways to get even more nutrition in! Throw in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini when sautéing the onions. The veggies will meld into the sauce, adding flavor and color without distracting from the main event.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne and rigatoni are perfect, thanks to their thick shapes and sauce-grabbing ridges, but just about any short pasta will work. Try fusilli, ziti, or even shells if that’s what you have on hand—this Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is all about flexibility!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a bigger pot or skillet if you have one. Keep an eye on the simmering time to let your sauce thicken nicely, and you’ll have enough to feed a cheering crowd with zero stress.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been longing for a foolproof homemade pasta dish, I truly hope you’ll try Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. There’s something magical about seeing humble, everyday ingredients transform into a meal that feels special. Pour yourself a glass of something you love, invite your favorite people, and dive into a big bowl of cozy pasta bliss!
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Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting dinner. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and al dente pasta creates a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup beef broth
Additional:
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion, add garlic, brown beef, season, add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and add to the sauce. Combine and cook briefly.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese and basil. Serve hot, topped with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, substitute Italian sausage for ground beef.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for added vegetables.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
