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Home » Main Dishes Recipes » Beef Main Dishes

BEEF PASTA IN TOMATO SAUCE RECIPE

Updated: May 3, 2026 · Published: Jul 29, 2025 by Sana Umer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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  • Step No.1: Sauté the aromatics
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in health benefits of garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
  • ute-dinner/">minute dinner plans.r weeknights. It’s loaded with flavour from savoury ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta. This one-pot recipe is ideal for feeding the family without a mess of dishes.

    The beauty of this recipe is that it requires no complicated ingredients or fancy techniques. Everything comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to put together.

    The combination of ground beef and tomato sauce creates a deep, meaty flavour base that pairs perfectly with al dente pasta. The recipe can also be easily customised to your liking, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

    This pasta dish is both affordable and filling, making it ideal for families or meal prep. It’s a comforting meal that delivers big flavour with minimal effort—perfect for busy cooks or beginner chefs. Each bite is packed with taste and texture.

    Whether you're cooking for a quick weeknight meal or a dinner with friends, this pasta recipe never disappoints. It's a fantastic way to utilize pantry staples and transform them into a family meal that will be requested again and again.

    WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

    • One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in one pot, reducing cleanup and saving you time on busy evenings.

    • Rich Flavour: Ground beef and tomato sauce combine to create a deep, hearty, and satisfying flavour in every bite.

    • Quick and Easy: The entire recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

    • Customisable Add-Ins: Add vegetables, herbs, or cheese to tailor this dish to your family’s taste or dietary preferences.

    • Perfect for Leftovers: This pasta reheats well, making it a great choice for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

    • Budget-Friendly: Uses basic, inexpensive ingredients while still delivering big flavour and hearty portions for the whole family.

    • Kid-Friendly Dish: Mild tomato flavour and soft pasta make it a hit with kids—no complaints at the dinner table!

    INGREDIENTS

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 2 cups beef broth
    • 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

    DIRECTIONS

    • Step No.1: Sauté the aromatics
      Heat benefits of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

    • Step No.2: Cook the beef
      Add ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

    • Step No.3: Season and combine
      Season the beef with salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix until well combined.

    • Step No.4: Add pasta and simmer
      Stir in uncooked pasta. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

    • Step No.5: Finish with cheese
      Uncover and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.

    • Step No.6: Garnish and serve
      Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Serve hot, directly from the pot, with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

    TIPS FOR SUCCESS

    • Use Lean Beef: Choose lean ground beef to reduce grease and ensure a cleaner, richer-tasting sauce.

    • Stir Occasionally: Stir while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.

    • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Check pasta early to keep it perfectly al dente and avoid mushy texture.

    • Add More Broth if Needed: If the liquid reduces too much during cooking, add a splash of broth to maintain sauciness.

    • Boost Flavour with Garlic: For stronger garlic notes, add an extra clove or use garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic.

    • Finish with Cheese: Stirring in Parmesan at the end enhances richness and ties all flavours together beautifully.

    • Garnish Last Minute: Add parsley just before serving for a fresh, bright touch that balances the hearty sauce.

    VARIATIONS

    • Use Ground Turkey: Swap beef for turkey to reduce fat content and create a lighter version of this classic dish.

    • Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during cooking for added nutrition information and texture.

    • Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili for a spicy kick that elevates the tomato flavour.

    • Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier pasta sauce.

    • Cheesy Topping: Top with mozzarella and broil for 2 minutes to create a cheesy, golden crust.

    • Make it gluten-free diet: Use your favourite gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and tomato products are gluten-free too.

    • Italian Herbs Twist: Add basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous, authentic italian flavour.

    SERVING AND STORAGE

    Serving

    Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced, hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

    Storage

    Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

    FAQ

    Can I make this with another type of meat?

    Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef depending on your taste and dietary needs.

    What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

    Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best as they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.

    Can I make it vegetarian?

    Yes. Replace the beef with lentils or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth to make a meatless version.

    How do I reheat the leftovers?

    Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to bring back the saucy consistency without drying out.

    Can I double this recipe?

    Absolutely. Just use a larger pot and adjust simmer time slightly if needed when increasing the quantity.

    This recipe is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavour.

    You’ll love the way this dish brings together tender pasta and hearty meat in a rich tomato sauce that’s seasoned just right.

    You’ll love the way this dish brings together tender pasta and hearty meat in a rich tomato sauce that’s seasoned just right.

    Thanks to its budget-friendly ingredients, it’s easy to make this part of your weekly dinner rotation without breaking the bank.

    Whether you're feeding kids, guests, or just cooking for yourself, this dish has universal appeal.

    BEEF PASTA IN TOMATO SAUCE RECIPE

    Sana Umer
    This hearty beef pasta in tomato sauce is rich, flavourful, and perfect for family dinners. Made with ground beef and a savoury tomato base, it's a satisfying one-pot meal ready in just 30 minutes.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Italian-American
    Servings 6 Serves
    Calories 480 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 oz 340g pasta (penne or fusilli)
    • 1 lb 450g ground beef
    • 1 small onion chopped
    • 3 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

    Instructions
     

    Cook the Pasta:

    • Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

    Cook the Beef:

    • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

    Add Tomato Sauce:

    • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until thickened.

    Combine with Pasta:

    • Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese.

    Serve:

    • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

    Notes

    Make Ahead: Sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat and toss with fresh pasta.
    Customizing the Flavor: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for more veggies.
    Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a full meal.
    Allergy-Friendly Options: Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
    Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
    Keyword beef pasta, ground beef recipe, quick pasta meal, tomato pasta

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    About Sana Umer

    I'm Sana Umer — the home cook behind every recipe on For Foodie Friends. I'm a Pakistani-American mom of two based in the US, and I've been cooking seriously for about a decade now, mostly because feeding a family every day is the fastest way to learn how to actually cook.

    I'm completely self-taught. I learned by watching my mother in Pakistan, by burning a lot of food in my early years, and by paying attention to which recipes worked and which ones needed fixing. I don't specialize in just one cuisine — I cook the Pakistani dishes I grew up with, the American desserts my kids request, weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and everything in between.

    Every recipe is personally tested in my own kitchen, every word is written by me, and every photo is taken of food I actually made.

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    for-foodie-frends-logo-1

    Hi, I'm Sana Umer — the home cook, recipe tester, and writer behind For Foodie Friends.

    I'm a Pakistani-American mom based in the US. I learned to cook in two kitchens — my mother's in Pakistan, where I grew up watching whole spices bloom in oil, and my own kitchen now, where I cook for my husband and kids.

    Every recipe on this site has been tested in my own kitchen, often more times than I'd like to admit, before it ever made it here. I cook a little bit of everything: the Pakistani comfort food I grew up with, the American desserts my kids beg for, weeknight dinners that need to come together fast, and the holiday spreads that take all day.

    If a recipe is on this site, it earned its place. No ghostwriters, no AI shortcuts, no copy-paste from somewhere else — just real recipes from a real kitchen, written to actually work the first time you make them.

    Welcome to my corner of the internet.

    — Sana

    More about me →

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