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Beef Pasta Recipe (Hearty, Savory, and Built for Real Dinners)
Isla Marie

Beef Pasta Recipe

A hearty pasta dish made with well-browned ground beef and a savory tomato-based sauce. Filling, balanced, and easy enough for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Step 1. Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2. Brown the Beef
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3. Build the Base
  1. Add onion to the beef and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 4. Develop the Sauce
  1. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Step 5. Combine with Pasta
  1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water. Toss until pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
Step 6. Finish and Serve
  1. Remove from heat. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve with grated Parmesan.

Video

Notes

  • Use ground beef with some fat for better flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta before adding to the sauce.
  • Add pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness.
  • Stores well and reheats gently with a splash of water.