Name: Ground Beef Pasta Recipe in Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni); 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving); Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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This ground beef pasta recipe in tomato sauce is a simple, satisfying dish that brings comfort and flavor to any dinner table. It’s a hearty one-pot meal combining tender pasta, rich ground beef, and a savory tomato-based sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and quick this recipe is, especially on busy weeknights. It only takes a few pantry staples to whip up a filling and flavorful meal that everyone enjoys. The ground beef adds a rich, meaty taste, while the tomato sauce provides the perfect tang and depth. Plus, I can tweak it to fit whatever I have on hand, making it super flexible. Ground Beef Pasta Recipe in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
Onion
Garlic
Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Tomato paste
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
I sauté the diced onions until they’re soft, then add the garlic and cook for about a minute.
I add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. I drain any excess grease if needed.
I stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
I pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, and let everything simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
While the sauce simmers, I cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente. I drain it but reserve a bit of the pasta water.
I mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
I give everything a good stir and let it simmer for another few minutes so the flavors can blend.
Before serving, I sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if I have them on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great last-minute dinner idea.

Variations

Sometimes I like to change things up depending on what I have in the kitchen. I swap ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor. If I want a creamier version, I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta. For a veggie boost, I toss in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. And if I’m craving spice, I use hot Italian sausage or extra chili flakes.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I usually add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce before microwaving or warming on the stovetop over medium heat. This helps keep the pasta from drying out. Ground Beef Pasta Recipe in Tomato Sauce

FAQs

How can I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

I cook the pasta until it’s just al dente and avoid overcooking it, especially since it continues to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, I reheat the sauce and toss in freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.

What type of pasta works best?

I like using short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni because they hold the sauce well. But really, any pasta I have on hand works just fine.

Can I freeze this?

I can freeze the sauce by itself for up to 3 months. I avoid freezing the pasta, as it tends to get mushy when thawed. I just cook fresh pasta when I’m ready to use the sauce.

How do I make it vegetarian?

I skip the ground beef and use lentils or chopped mushrooms instead. They add a nice texture and still give the sauce that hearty, satisfying feel.

Conclusion

This ground beef pasta in tomato sauce is my go-to comfort food when I need something quick, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but tasty enough to satisfy any craving. I always feel good knowing I can whip up a delicious dinner with just a few basic ingredients.