Description
This comforting Ground Beef Pasta recipe melds savory ground beef with a rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and Italian spices for a hearty meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s made with simple ingredients and comes together quickly on the stovetop. Serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan for the ultimate comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces dried penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- Water for boiling
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling pasta)
Ground Beef Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Freshly chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until well browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors combine.
- Garnish and Serve Divide the pasta among plates. Top with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
