Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of pasta covered in rich tomato sauce and hearty beef. It’s like a hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is the answer to your dinner prayers. The combination of savory beef, tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is a classic for a reason—it’s just plain delicious.

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I had little time to cook but wanted something comforting for my family. I threw together some ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta, and to my surprise, it turned into the most flavorful, satisfying meal. Fast forward to today, and this has become one of our go-to weeknight dinners. It’s simple, flavorful, and ready in less than an hour. Plus, it’s the perfect meal to serve when you want something that feels fancy but doesn’t require a ton of effort.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish that tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You’ll love how simple this recipe is. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just easy steps and everyday items you probably already have in your pantry.
Perfectly Comforting: The rich, savory beef in a flavorful tomato sauce paired with pasta is the ultimate comfort food combo. It’s hearty without being too heavy, making it the perfect dinner for any night.
Customizable: Whether you like a little extra spice or prefer to keep things mild, you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste. You can also swap out ingredients to make it your own.
Family-Friendly: This recipe is great for the whole family. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike and is the perfect dish to serve when you have a full house.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 15g

Ingredients

This Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce requires just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, but feel free to go for fattier beef if you prefer a richer flavor.
1 onion, chopped: The onion adds a savory base to the sauce. If you’re short on time, use pre-chopped onions or even frozen ones.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds that warm, aromatic flavor that’s the perfect companion to beef and tomatoes.
1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce—crushed tomatoes provide the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. You can also use tomato sauce or diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Tomato paste thickens the sauce and gives it a rich, deep flavor.
1 tablespoon sugar: A pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the sauce a perfect flavor.
1 teaspoon dried basil: A classic herb for tomato-based sauces, basil adds a hint of freshness and warmth.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: This herb brings a savory, earthy flavor to the sauce that complements the beef beautifully.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Season with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together.
1 lb pasta: Any type of pasta works well, but spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni are my personal favorites for this dish.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic—olive oil adds a lovely richness to the sauce.
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top of your finished dish makes it look just like it came from a restaurant.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the ingredients:
- Start by chopping your onion and mincing the garlic. Measure out your tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and herbs. Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Cook the beef:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside on a plate.
Sauté the onion and garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it can turn bitter if overcooked.
Make the sauce:
- Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to deepen the flavor.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
Cook the pasta:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Combine the pasta and sauce:
- Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, stirring to combine. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve and garnish:
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top never hurts either!

How to Serve

Serve over your favorite pasta: Spaghetti, penne, or fusilli are all great options for this dish.
Pair with a side salad: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette is a perfect, light side dish to balance out the richness of the beef and tomato sauce.
Garlic bread: You can never go wrong with a side of crispy garlic bread to dip into the sauce.
Wine Pairing: If you’re into wine, a light red like Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of this pasta.

Additional Tips

Use lean beef: For a healthier option, opt for lean ground beef, but if you prefer a richer flavor, go for a fattier ground beef mix.
Don’t skip the sugar: A touch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious flavor in the sauce.
Add extra herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top to give the dish an added layer of freshness.
Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, just add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Let the flavors meld: After combining the pasta with the sauce, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors and makes it even more delicious.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. If you like spicy food, this is a great way to add a kick to the dish.
Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian option.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. It’s just as delicious with the right pasta substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Beverages: A cold glass of iced tea or sparkling water pairs nicely with this dish.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Special Equipment

Large skillet: For browning the beef and making the sauce.
Pasta pot: To cook the pasta.
Wooden spoon: For breaking up the beef and stirring the sauce.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if you’re using store-bought sauce, as it might be a bit sweeter or more acidic than crushed tomatoes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce and meatballs ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and just reheat when ready to serve. It actually tastes even better the next day!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce as much as my family does. It’s one of those meals that always hits the spot, no matter the occasion. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And feel free to leave a comment letting me know how it turned out or any fun twists you added to make it your own.

Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce