Description
Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce offers a hearty and satisfying meal, with tender ground beef simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. The combination of savory beef, tangy tomato sauce, and al dente pasta creates a comforting balance of flavors and textures—rich, hearty, and satisfying with every bite. This dish is easily customizable: swap the ground beef for turkey or sausage, add sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, or try different pasta shapes to suit your taste. For extra flavor, consider garnishing with fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a dash of red pepper flakes. Try making this Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce for a delicious and filling meal, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media!
Ingredients
For the Beef Pasta:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity, optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, and set it aside.
Prepare the Beef and Sauce:
- Cook the Ground Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove any excess fat from the pan, if necessary.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Tomato Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if desired). Stir well and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning as necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Mix the Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are well developed, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450-500 calories
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 25g