Name: Beef Pasta Recipe in Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or short pasta); 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp sugar (optional); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner any night of the week. I love how the tender ground beef blends with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce and hugs every bite of pasta. It’s cozy, filling, and made with simple pantry staples—exactly what I reach for when I want something delicious and fuss-free.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s classic, easy, and always satisfying. The beef adds protein and richness, while the tomato sauce is savory and perfectly seasoned. It’s a one-pan kind of meal that doesn’t need much effort, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, packing for lunch, or freezing for later. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit whatever I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
Ground beef
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Tomato paste
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. I drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, I heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. I season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
I stir in tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
I pour in crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, and add a pinch of sugar if needed. I simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the sauce thicken and flavors develop.
I stir the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing until well coated.
I serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4–6 people and takes around 30–35 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy weekend meal.

Variations

I add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies.
I use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
I stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end for a creamier tomato sauce.
I bake it with mozzarella on top for a cheesy pasta bake.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes! I often use a good-quality marinara or tomato basil sauce to save time and still get great flavor.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but spaghetti or linguine work too.

How do I keep the beef tender?

I don’t overcook it—once browned and cooked through, I move on to the sauce to avoid drying it out.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely! I add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats well and keeps in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for prepping ahead.

Conclusion

Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a go-to recipe that never lets me down. It’s flavorful, comforting, and easy to make with ingredients I usually already have. Whether I’m cooking for my family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something cozy, this pasta always hits the spot and keeps everyone coming back for more.

Beef Pasta Recipe in Tomato Sauce

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a cozy, satisfying dish made with tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and your favorite pasta. It’s an easy, one-pan meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or short pasta)
1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp sugar (optional)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
Add crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce), sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss until well coated.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs and Parmesan if desired.