When it comes to weeknight dinners, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a hearty bowl of pasta. It’s quick, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Today, I’m sharing my recipe for Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce—also known as Beef Ragu Pasta. This dish is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Best of all? It’s a one-pot wonder, saving you time and minimizing cleanup. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef pasta recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect meal:
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these pantry staples on hand.
- One-Pot Cooking: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your evening.
- Big Flavor: With Italian seasoning, garlic, and marinara sauce, each bite is bursting with savory goodness.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will come back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- 8 ounces of pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works great.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The star of the dish, adding protein and heartiness.
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because no good pasta dish is complete without garlic!
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon instant bouillon cube (chicken or beef): Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
- 1 (15-ounce) can marinara tomato sauce: The base of your ragu—choose your favorite brand or make it homemade.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning to taste.
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the final dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make this delicious Beef Ragu Pasta:
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. Pro tip: Save about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Then, add the minced garlic, bouillon cube, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink. If there’s excess fat in the skillet, drain it off.
4. Make the Sauce
Pour in the marinara tomato sauce and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld all the flavors.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it’s fully coated in the sauce.
6. Add Cheese and Herbs
Sprinkle in the shredded parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy finish. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for that extra touch of brightness.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Your Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is ready to serve! Dish it out while it’s hot and enjoy every comforting bite.
Tips for Success
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni are perfect for holding onto the rich ragu sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Bouillon Cube: It adds an extra layer of umami that takes this dish to the next level.
- Make It Your Own: Love spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Want more veggies? Toss in some diced bell peppers or spinach.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is all about balance—savory ground beef, sweet onions, tangy marinara sauce, and creamy parmesan cheese come together in perfect harmony. The Italian seasoning ties everything together with its aromatic blend of herbs. Plus, cooking everything in one skillet means all those flavors meld beautifully.
Perfect Pairings
This Beef Ragu Pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread. For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, serve it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Leftovers? No Problem!
If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—an easy, delicious Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! Let me know how you liked this recipe in the comments below. Happy eating!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6
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Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce -Beef Ragu Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
Ground beef pasta recipe is so delicious and so comforting! Everything is cooked in one pot – Everyone will love this easy pasta dish!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon instant bouillon cube (chicken or beef)
- 1 (15-ounce) can marinara tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent (about 2–3 minutes).
Stir in garlic, bouillon, and Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Crumble the beef as it cooks and drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce.
Add chopped parsley and shredded parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts, about 2–3 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
You can use any pasta shape you like — penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work well.
For extra richness, try adding a splash of cream or a pat of butter at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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