Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce

Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce: A Weeknight Wonder

A hearty and comforting classic, Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is a perfect weeknight meal. This recipe is simple to follow, uses pantry staples, and comes together in under an hour. With juicy ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta:
  • 1 pound (454 g) dried pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • Salt
• For the Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional Garnishes:
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Cooking Guide:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the pan with the browned beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Finish the Dish: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss to combine and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with your desired garnishes, such as grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Tips:

• Ground Beef Options: For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats well and makes for a great lunch the next day.
• Wine Pairing: Consider pairing this dish with a glass of Chianti or another full-bodied red wine.