If you’re in search of a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week, look no further than this Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce. This hearty dish combines tender pasta with a savory tomato sauce, ground beef, and a blend of Italian spices, all topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Ideal for a family dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
8 oz pasta: Your choice of pasta shape (penne, rigatoni, rotini, or shells work best)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp instant bouillon cube (chicken or beef)
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
1 (15 oz) can marinara tomato sauce
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Directions:
Cook Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, bouillon, and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Make sure to crumble the beef as it cooks and drain any excess fat.
Simmer Sauce: Stir in the marinara tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes.
Combine: Adjust the seasoning with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
Finish: Stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese until melted, about 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Serving Tips:
Garnish: Enhance the dish with additional fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat if desired.
Accompaniments: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the pasta beautifully.
Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, plate the pasta in individual bowls and top with a generous amount of sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley just before serving.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing the container to prevent condensation.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through, for about 2-3 minutes, or until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Freshening Up: When reheating, consider adding a bit more grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of cream to restore some of the creaminess and flavor that may have been lost.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various types of pasta for Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce. Shapes like penne, rigatoni, rotini, or shells are ideal as they hold the sauce well. However, you can use other pasta types like spaghetti or fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. Store the pasta and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, combine and reheat as needed.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other proteins such as ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a different flavor or dietary preference. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for different proteins.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce, you can incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy marinara sauce to enhance the spiciness. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
This Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor. Enjoy this dish as a hearty meal that’s both comforting and satisfying!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. This easy recipe features tender pasta coated in a rich marinara sauce with lean ground beef, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp instant bouillon cube (chicken or beef)
1 (15 oz) can marinara tomato sauce
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic, bouillon, and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Crumble the beef as it cooks and drain any excess fat.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes.
- Combine: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce.
- Finish: Stir in chopped parsley and grated Parmesan until melted, about 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, rotini, or shells that hold the sauce well.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 588 calories per Serving
