Delicious Ground Beef Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that can be whipped up quickly on a busy weeknight, ground beef pasta with tomato sauce is the perfect dish. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, the tanginess of quality tomato sauce, and the satisfying bite of pasta. It's a classic that never goes out of style!

Ingredients

- For the Pasta - 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work well) - Salt (for the pasta water)

- For the Beef and Sauce - 1 pound of ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons of tomato paste - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano - 1 teaspoon of dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - Fresh basil, for garnish (optional) - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. Set it aside.

2. Prepare the Beef While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Brown the Beef Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat.

4. Make the Sauce Once the beef is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the mixture is too dry, mix in a little more reserved pasta water.

6. Serve Plate the ground beef pasta and top with freshly chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

7. Enjoy! Your hearty ground beef pasta with tomato sauce is ready to be served! This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread, making it a complete meal.

Tips for Variations

- Vegetable Additions Feel free to throw in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition. - Cheese Lovers For an extra cheesy experience, incorporate mozzarella or ricotta cheese into the mix. - Make It Ahead You can easily prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Or freeze for a longer storage option.

This ground beef pasta with tomato sauce recipe is simple yet delicious, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your household. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the satisfaction that comes from a home-cooked meal!