Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s both cozy and crave-worthy, Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is about to become your new staple! Imagine fork-tender pasta tossed in a rich, beefy tomato sauce, finished with a snowfall of parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and always gets rave reviews at the table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering its comforting flavor, lovely texture, and that beautiful burst of color. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need (and why you need it!) to make the magic happen.

• Pasta (8 ounces): Your favorite shape will work, but tubular or ridged varieties like penne or rigatoni are fantastic for grabbing onto that luscious sauce.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the onions and aromatics meld into the beef for extra depth.
• Lean Ground Beef (1 pound): The star of the show—delivering a hearty, savory note to every bite.
• Sweet Onion (1/2, chopped): Adds mellow sweetness and a subtle layer of complexity to the sauce base.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that aromatic kick that brings the whole sauce to life.
• Italian Seasoning (1 ½ teaspoons): A classic herby blend that instantly makes the sauce taste slow-simmered.
• Instant Bouillon Cube (1 tablespoon, chicken or beef): Packs a punch of savory umami and deepens the sauce.
• Marinara Tomato Sauce (15-ounce can): Already seasoned and ready to infuse your beef ragu with tangy tomato goodness.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): These simple seasonings lift and balance all the other flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts for creaminess and finishes the dish with a salty, nutty flourish.
• Fresh Chopped Parsley (1 tablespoon): Adds vibrant color and a little brightness to contrast the rich sauce.

Variations

One of the best things about Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is its flexibility. If you’re missing an ingredient or catering to a special diet, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes and pantry—no stress, just delicious results every time!

• Try a Different Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian twist.
• Upgrade with Veggies: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms when sautéing the onion to sneak in more nutrition and flavor.
• Go Spicy: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic if you love a touch of heat.
• Cheese It Up: Stir in a handful of mozzarella along with the parmesan for extra melty, cheesy goodness throughout.

How to Make Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well, but don’t rinse—you want that surface starch to help the sauce cling to every strand or tube. Set the pasta aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion, Garlic & Spices

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until it turns translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic, bouillon, and Italian seasoning, and cook for another minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like pure Italian heaven!

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and use a wooden spoon to break it up. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it now so your sauce isn’t oily.

Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Sauce

Pour in the marinara tomato sauce and stir until everything is well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is when all the flavors come together into a savory, hearty beef ragu.

Step 5: Combine, Season & Finish

Give the sauce a taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Add the drained cooked pasta and toss until everything is thoroughly coated. Remove from heat and shower the finished dish with shredded parmesan and freshly chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce

Garnishes

Nothing says “dinner is ready” like a generous snow-capping of freshly grated parmesan or a sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving. For a little extra sparkle, add cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of fruity olive oil.

Side Dishes

Pair your Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce with buttery garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce, or keep things fresh with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli on the side are also wonderful if you’re looking for a lighter touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful, family-style presentation, serve your pasta right in the skillet at the table—rustic and inviting. If you’re hosting, individual bowls topped with a parmesan crisp or a nest of fresh herbs make for an elegant touch. For kids (or just for fun!), try stuffing leftover pasta and sauce into baked bell peppers for a colorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better with a little time, making it an excellent next-day lunch!

Freezing

This pasta freezes beautifully! Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, label, and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen if needed. You can also microwave individual servings in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re in a comfort food mood, you truly can’t go wrong with Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce. Simple to make, endlessly satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser—this is the dinner you’ll crave again and again. Give it a try this week, and let your kitchen fill with the mouthwatering aromas of home!

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