Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness, it simply doesn’t get better than Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce. This weeknight hero combines rich, savory beef, aromatic onions and garlic, perfectly al dente pasta, and a lush tomato sauce for that old-school Italian vibe—delivering a dinner everyone at the table will cheer for.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things deliciously simple: each ingredient in this Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is doing some heavy lifting for flavor, texture, or color. Gather these building blocks for a knock-your-socks-off pasta night—trust me, every item here is essential to the final magic.

• Pasta (8 ounces): Any favorite shape works, from penne to rigatoni—just pick one with plenty of nooks for the sauce to cling to.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a luscious mouthfeel while helping the aromatics sweat perfectly.
• Lean ground beef (1 pound): The heart of this ragu—a classic Italian choice for deeply savory, meaty flavor.
• Sweet onion, chopped (1/2): Brings natural sweetness and balances out all the savory notes.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): You know it’s not “pasta night” without this garlicky pop!
• Italian seasoning (1 1/2 teaspoons): A ready-made herb blend that layers instant Italy into your pan.
• Instant bouillon cube (1 tablespoon, chicken or beef): Packs extra umami and richness into the sauce.
• Marinara tomato sauce (15 ounces): Sauce is king—choose your favorite jar or go homemade for even more bragging rights.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning each layer just right.
• Shredded parmesan cheese (1 cup): That gorgeous finishing touch—nutty, salty, and melty all at once.
• Fresh chopped parsley (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled on top for a hit of green and freshness.

Variations

The best part about Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce? You can bend it to fit whatever you’re in the mood for or happen to have in the fridge. Try one of these twists or invent your own—this dish happily adapts to your tastes or dietary needs!

• Make It Vegetarian: Swap the beef for plant-based ground or finely diced mushrooms—just as hearty and satisfying.
• Switch Up the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor dimension.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini right after the onions for a nutrient boost and color pop.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage if your family likes heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Opt for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your bouillon and marinara sauce labels.

How to Make Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water—this is key to flavorful pasta! Add your chosen noodles and cook according to package directions until just al dente (they’ll finish in the sauce). Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to save a splash of that gorgeous starchy pasta water in case your sauce needs thinning later.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring often, until translucent and softened—about 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle in your minced garlic, bouillon, and Italian seasoning, stirring until beautifully fragrant. Now your whole kitchen will smell like an Italian trattoria!

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef directly to your skillet with the aromatics. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, letting it brown completely—no pink left! This is where all the savory, meaty goodness is built. If there’s any excess fat, go ahead and drain it off.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce

Time for the magic—pour in your marinara sauce and give everything a good stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, so all those flavors can meld, thicken, and turn rich and saucy. Your patience will be well rewarded!

Step 5: Combine and Season

Taste your sauce, then adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Now, stir your cooked pasta right into the luscious beef ragu. Add a touch of reserved pasta water if you’d like a silkier texture—the goal is perfectly saucy but not soupy.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the fresh chopped parsley and a generous handful of parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts dreamily into the sauce, creating that creamy, cheesy swirl throughout. Taste for final adjustments, then dish it up hot—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for!

How to Serve Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce

Garnishes

Shower your hot pasta bowls with extra parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, or a few torn basil leaves for an aromatic finish. For a fancier touch, add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for color and warmth.

Side Dishes

This Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is perfectly lovely on its own, but I love to round out the meal with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread for those last swipes of sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also make excellent partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta family style in a big, rustic bowl and invite everyone to dig in, or plate it individually with a twirl for a bistro-style look. For a party, try serving the ragu over polenta squares, or spoon the sauced pasta into bell pepper halves and bake for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce keep beautifully! Let everything cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—flavors deepen by the next day, so it’s a dream for meal prep.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions of the cooled Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave until piping hot or gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to refresh the sauce. Stir well and top with a fresh sprinkle of parmesan and parsley!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner, you’ll be thrilled with Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce. Every bite is a hug in a bowl, and once you taste how easy and satisfying it is, this recipe will have a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Happy cooking and enjoy every twirled forkful!

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