EASY BEEF PASTA RECIPE

Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together in a flash? Imagine sinking your fork into tender pasta coated in a rich, savory beef sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and topped with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. This Beef Pasta recipe is your answer to a quick, comforting, and utterly delicious dinner – I promise, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

The Star Players: Your Beef Pasta Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples, and you can easily customize this recipe to your liking. I’m here to guide you every step of the way!

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound pasta: Penne, spaghetti, rigatoni – whatever you have on hand! I personally love using penne because the sauce clings to it so well.
• Water: For boiling the pasta, of course!
• Salt: To season the pasta water. Don’t skip this step – it makes a big difference!

For the Beef Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
• 1 medium onion: Diced. Yellow or white onions work great.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced. Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover like me!
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The base of our delicious sauce.
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds extra richness and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that complements the beef perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Another essential Italian herb.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat (optional).
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving. Don’t be shy with this!
• Optional additions: Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies. A splash of red wine can also add depth of flavor.

Let’s Get Cooking: Your Step-by-Step Beef Pasta Guide

Okay, now for the fun part! This recipe is super easy, even if you’re a beginner cook. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Beef Pasta dinner on the table in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help thicken the sauce later on.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Drain off any excess grease. This is important to prevent a greasy sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away!
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce.
2. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
3. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch too.

Tips and Tricks for Beef Pasta Perfection

Okay, now for some insider secrets to take your Beef Pasta to the next level! These are the things I’ve learned over the years that make all the difference.

Beefing Up the Flavor:

• Brown the beef properly: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Brown the beef in batches if necessary to get a good sear. This creates those delicious, caramelized flavors.
• Don’t skimp on the garlic: Garlic is a flavor powerhouse! Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Simmer, simmer, simmer: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Don’t rush this step!
• Add a splash of red wine: A dry red wine, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Add it after browning the beef and let it reduce slightly before adding the tomatoes.

Pasta Perfection:

• Salt the pasta water generously: This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
• Cook the pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta is mushy and unappetizing. Al dente pasta has a slight bite to it.
• Reserve pasta water: This starchy water is a secret weapon for thickening sauces and creating a creamy texture.

Customization Options:

• Add vegetables: Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots are all great additions to this recipe.
• Use different types of meat: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be substituted for ground beef.
• Add cheese to the sauce: A handful of shredded mozzarella or ricotta cheese added to the sauce at the end creates a creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Beef Pasta

Beef Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better when paired with some delicious side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Garlic bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce!
• Side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are all great options.
• Caprese salad: A classic Italian salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.

Beef Pasta: Variations to Explore

Once you’ve mastered the basic Beef Pasta recipe, the possibilities are endless! Here are some fun variations to try:

Creamy Beef Pasta:

Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce at the end for a richer, creamier texture. You could also try a Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef recipe and serve over pasta.

Spicy Beef Pasta:

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat. You could also add some chopped jalapeños.

Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake:

Combine the cooked pasta and beef sauce in a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is a great way to use up leftover pasta.

Beef Pasta with Vegetables:

Add your favorite vegetables to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.

If you enjoy pasta with other meats, try a Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. For another beef-centered option, check out this Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables Recipe. And if you are looking for something with a distinct garlic flavor, try a Garlic Parmesan Pasta Yeem or maybe a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Beef Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Homemade Beef Pasta!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for delicious, comforting Beef Pasta! I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Easy Beef Pasta Recipe

This Easy Beef Pasta Recipe is a quick and comforting meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. It features tender pasta coated in a rich and savory beef sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and topped with parmesan cheese. It is a simple and delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound pasta penne, spaghetti, rigatoni
• 1 pound ground beef lean
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Skillet or Dutch oven
• Colander
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• Cutting board
• spoon
• Fork

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
6. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
7. Drain off any excess grease.
8. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
9. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
10. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
13. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce.
14. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
15. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a richer flavor, brown the beef properly and simmer the sauce for a longer time. Salt the pasta water generously and cook the pasta al dente. Customize the recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Leftover Beef Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or skillet.