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Ground Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce

Ground Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce

Ground Beef Pasta In Tomato Sauce is a quick, easy, and comforting meal combining tender pasta with a savory tomato sauce and perfectly cooked ground beef. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this flavorful dish is budget-friendly, versatile, and sure to be a favorite staple in your meal rotation.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean recommended)
  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for spice
  • Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for vegetables
  • Mozzarella or cheddar cheese for melty cheese upgrade
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for low-carb option

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Gather the ground beef, canned tomatoes, and pasta to keep everything ready and organized.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency later if needed.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to release its aroma.
  4. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned with no pink remaining. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking to develop full flavor.
  5. Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Pour the canned tomatoes with their juices into the skillet. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet or a large mixing bowl with the tomato-beef sauce. Toss thoroughly to combine. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce needs loosening to achieve desired consistency.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the sauce.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when combined with sauce.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to balance flavors perfectly.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly to deepen its flavor and thicken the texture.
  • Use reserved pasta water to loosen dry sauce and help it cling to pasta.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Not Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: ground beef pasta, tomato sauce pasta, easy family dinner, quick pasta recipe, weeknight meal, comforting pasta