Description
This Ground Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is the ultimate easy dinner idea that combines hearty ground beef, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s comforting, budget-friendly, and made with simple ingredients most of us already have in the pantry. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a cozy dinner option, or something the whole family will devour, this dish hits all the right notes. It also works great as a make-ahead meal, reheats beautifully, and fits right into your list of go-to easy recipes and food ideas.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to concentrate the flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package directions.
6. Drain pasta and transfer it directly into the sauce. Stir gently to combine. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes for the pasta to absorb some sauce.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and chopped herbs if desired.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
Don’t skip the simmering—it develops depth in the sauce.
Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust salt and seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg