Introduction
This hearty beef and tomato pasta is comfort food at its finest—rich, meaty, and full of bold flavor. With tender ground beef, a savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Simple enough for busy weeknights, yet flavorful enough to serve for Sunday dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for richness)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 10–12 oz (280–340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. - Brown the beef:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed. - Sauté aromatics:
Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Build the sauce:
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce gets too thick. - Combine with pasta:
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and toss well to coat. Let it sit on low heat for 2–3 minutes so everything warms through and absorbs flavor. - Serve:
Dish up hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
Enjoy !!
