Easy Beef Pasta
This easy Beef Pasta recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. It features perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich, savory beef sauce bursting with flavor, and it's simple to customize with your favorite toppings and variations.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or Dutch oven
- Spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta penne, spaghetti, rotini, or your favorite shape
- Water for boiling pasta
- Salt for pasta water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Fresh basil, chopped, for topping
- Red pepper flakes for topping
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not rinse.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce longer. You can make the beef sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss cooked pasta with a little olive oil if making ahead to prevent sticking. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients. Stir in ricotta cheese or heavy cream for a creamier sauce. Add a splash of red wine while simmering for added depth.