Beef pasta is such a comforting and hearty meal—perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Whether you’re looking for something quick or a dish that’s rich and flavorful, there are a variety of ways to make it. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Beef Pasta that combines ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce:
Beef Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or your favorite type)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water, if you don’t have broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy sauce)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the beef:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Add the aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the sauce:
- Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Season with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up and the flavors meld together. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Combine with pasta:
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the beef sauce. If you want a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this point and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve:
- Serve the beef pasta in bowls or plates. Top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese if you like, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Enjoy:
- Dig into your hearty, beefy pasta!
Tips:
- Extra veggies: You can sneak in some extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions.
- Cheese: Adding mozzarella to the sauce or melting it on top gives it a deliciously gooey texture. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top for extra flavor.
- Meat variations: Ground turkey or chicken can also be used in place of beef if you want a lighter version.
- Make it spicy: For a little extra heat, you can add a teaspoon of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
This recipe is super flexible, and you can adjust it to your tastes. It’s the kind of dish that can be easily made with pantry staples but still feels indulgent. Would you serve it with garlic bread or a salad on the side?
