Description
This beef pasta in tomato sauce is a hearty, comforting dish made with ground beef, savory herbs, and a rich tomato base tossed with tender pasta. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners using pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer sauce uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Stir in cream cheese or shredded mozzarella for a creamy variation.
- Use fresh tomatoes if preferred, but simmer longer for best texture.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
