Beefy Tomato Pasta A Classic Comfort Dish

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a hug in a bowl? This Beefy tomato pasta is just the ticket. Honestly, is there anything more comforting than a big plate of pasta covered in a rich, savory sauce?

Brief Overview

This ground beef pasta recipe is Italian comfort food at its finest. It is a straightforward, easy recipe perfect for any night.

It will take only 30 minutes to whip up four generous servings.

Main Benefits

This easy pasta dinner is loaded with protein and carbs. It's a total winner for fueling up after a long day. It is sure to become a family favourite.

Get Ready to Cook

This pasta with meat sauce is one of those recipes you'll make again and again. I still remember the first time I made this for my family.

The smiles all around were priceless. Let's dive into what you'll need!

Ingredients That Make Magic

Here's your shopping list for the best beefy tomato pasta ever:

• Pasta: 12 oz of your favourite shape
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for browning the beef
• Ground Beef: 1 lb
• Onion: 1 small , finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves , minced
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can ( 14 oz )
• Tomato Sauce: 1 cup
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon , dried
• Basil: 1 teaspoon , dried
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional)
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Cheese: ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan (optional)
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Essential Equipment

You'll need a few trusty tools:

• A large pot
• A large skillet or Dutch oven
• A colander
• A wooden spoon or spatula

Now you're all set to create this delicious comfort food pasta . I always find prepping all the ingredients beforehand makes the cooking process so much smoother.

It is like having your own mini MasterChef setup! Get ready for some seriously tasty weeknight pasta meals . This is also a brilliant Bolognese pasta alternative!

Beefy Tomato Pasta A Classic Comfort Dish Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta noodles (penne, elbow macaroni, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (at least 80% lean)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of kick!)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
• Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
• Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Important: Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
• Drain off any excess fat.
• Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent.
• Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce.
• Toss to combine, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Heat through.
• Serve immediately, garnished with shredded cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:20-25g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian-American

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready!

Okay, before we even THINK about turning on the hob, let's gather our goodies. We're making beefy tomato pasta , remember? This easy pasta dinner is about to become your new best friend.

Seriously, this recipe is a hug in a bowl. It's the perfect comfort food pasta.

Main Ingredients for Our Ground Beef Pasta Recipe

Here's what you'll need to whip up this amazing dish. The exact measurements are crucial!

• Pasta: 12 oz (340g). Use penne, elbows, or whatever.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Go for extra virgin.
• Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g). At least 80% lean is best.
• Onion: 1 small , finely chopped. About 1 cup (150g).
• Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Around 1 tablespoon.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz/400g), with juices.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 cup (240ml).
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional).
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.
• Mozzarella/Parmesan: ½ cup (50g), shredded.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil, for garnish.

For the ground beef, look for a bright red color. Make sure it doesn't smell funky. Good quality beef makes a big difference.

Trust me, I once used some dodgy beef, and the whole dish suffered. Never again. Quick pasta recipes are only good if you use good ingredients!

Seasoning Notes for Bolognese Pasta

These spices are the secret to killer flavor.

• Oregano and basil are a must for that classic Italian pasta dishes taste.
• Red pepper flakes add a little kick. Skip 'em if you're spice-averse.
• Garlic is non-negotiable. Seriously, don't skimp.

If you don't have oregano, use Italian seasoning . That works in a pinch. I also add a pinch of sugar to tomato sauce sometimes. It helps balance the acidity.

Equipment Needed for Family Pasta Recipes

Keep it simple! You don't need fancy gear.

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
• Large Skillet: For the meat sauce. A Dutch oven works too.
• Colander: For draining the pasta.
• Wooden Spoon: Or spatula, for stirring.

Don't have a colander? Use a lid to carefully drain the pasta water. Works every time!. This beefy tomato pasta weeknight pasta meals recipe is easier than you think.

Let's Make Some Seriously Good Beefy Tomato Pasta!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good Beefy tomato pasta ? It's the ultimate comfort food pasta , especially on a chilly evening.

This Ground beef pasta recipe is so easy, it's practically foolproof. Perfect for those weeknight pasta meals when you need something quick and satisfying.

I'm talking seriously delicious! This easy pasta dinner will become a family staple.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first: the mise en place . Dice that onion, mince the garlic. Get the tomatoes and sauce ready. It sounds fancy, but really, it just means getting everything within reach before you start cooking.

This saves you so much time. Honestly, it’s like having your own little TV cooking show set up. Make sure you have your big pot ready for the pasta and the skillet for the beef.

Safety first! Make sure the skillet is stable, and always use oven mitts.

Nailing That Pasta Perfection

1. Get a big pot of salted water boiling like crazy. Then, toss in 12 oz of your favorite pasta. Cook it until al dente . About 8- 10 minutes usually does the trick.
2. While the pasta's cooking, brown 1 lb of ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the fat – no one wants greasy pasta!
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3- 5 minutes .
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy). Simmer for 10 minutes , letting the sauce thicken.
5. Drain the pasta, but save some pasta water! Add the pasta to the sauce and toss. Use that starchy water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Pro-Level Pasta Tips

Want to take your pasta with meat sauce from good to amazing ? Here's a secret: don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is key.

Also, taste the sauce as it simmers. Does it need more salt? A touch more basil? Adjust to your liking.

Avoid the common mistake of not browning the beef enough. That golden-brown crust adds so much flavor. For a make-ahead option, you can make the sauce a day in advance.

It tastes even better the next day. This is the best Bolognese pasta ever. Plus it is one of the most popular Italian pasta dishes .

And there you have it! A simple, satisfying Beefy tomato pasta recipe. Perfect for a family pasta recipes or a quick meal for yourself.

It's one of my go-to quick pasta recipes , and I hope it becomes one of yours too!

Recipe Notes For Your Beefy Tomato Pasta

This beefy tomato pasta recipe? It's more than just a ground beef pasta recipe . Honestly, it's my go-to easy pasta dinner for those crazy weeknights.

It’s like having a hug in a bowl, you know? But let’s talk about making it even better .

Making It Look (and Taste) Amazing

Serving this comfort food pasta is all about presentation. A swirl of parmesan or mozzarella is fantastic. Fresh basil or parsley adds freshness.

Want to be fancy? Drizzle with a touch of olive oil. For sides? Garlic bread is a must. A simple salad also works.

Red wine enhances this Italian pasta dish .

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store in the fridge for up to three days. Pop it in an airtight container. For freezing, store it for up to 2 months.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. This recipe is great for weeknight pasta meals !

Remixing Your Pasta with Meat Sauce

Want to change things up? Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free Bolognese pasta . To make it healthier, use ground turkey instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, lentils work wonderfully.

Quick Pasta Recipes : Nutrition 101

Let's keep it simple. This pasta gives you carbs, protein, and some fat. It is packed with energy. The tomatoes offer vitamin C.

Beef supplies iron, really great for boosting energy. Just keep the portion size in check. A smaller portion sizes is key!

There you have it! A super simple guide to customizing your beefy tomato pasta . So, go ahead, create this family pasta recipes and enjoy! Trust me, it will be a total hit.

This quick pasta recipes is truly worth it. Have fun!