Quick and Easy Beef Pasta
This Beef Pasta recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal, ready in under an hour. It features perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich, savory beef sauce, seasoned just right for a satisfying and flavorful dinner.
Equipment
- Large skillet or pot
- Spoon
- Large pot for pasta
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf (if using).
- Stir everything together well.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Drain the pasta well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce.
- Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes is also a great addition.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if needed. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered. For a thinner sauce, add water or beef broth. To add vegetables, sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots with the onion. For a creamier sauce, stir in sour cream, cream cheese, or ricotta cheese at the end. Try using ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.