Comforting Beef Tomato Pasta
Pasta, beef, and tomatoes – a classic combination that’s been delighting taste buds for generations. This beef tomato pasta recipe is a family-friendly favorite that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this versatile recipe is sure to become a new staple in your culinary repertoire.
Growing up, many of us have fond memories of our parents or grandparents serving up hearty, tomato-based pasta dishes that filled the kitchen with the aroma of simmering sauce and tender beef. This beef tomato pasta recipe pays homage to those nostalgic flavors, while also offering a modern twist that makes it a stand-out dish in its own right.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this beef tomato pasta apart from the rest? For starters, the combination of savory ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. The textures are equally satisfying, with the tender pasta noodles and bites of beef complemented by the occasional burst of tangy tomato.
But beyond its delectable taste, this recipe is also incredibly accessible. Most of the ingredients are pantry or freezer staples, making it easy to whip up on a moment’s notice. Plus, the dish can be prepared in advance and frozen for convenient reheating, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to meal-prep. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for your family, this beef tomato pasta is sure to become a go-to favorite in your culinary repertoire.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Beef Tomato Pasta ❓
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 ounces dried pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)
The beauty of this beef tomato pasta is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made tomato-based pasta recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Beef Tomato Pasta Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
• Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
• Step 5: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the beef tomato sauce and toss to combine.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian-style meat sauces that can take up to an hour to prepare, this beef tomato pasta saves you over 15 minutes of cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
These beef tomato pasta dishes provide approximately 25% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the cheese or use a non-dairy alternative like cashew-based “parmesan.”
• Added protein: Stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the beef tomato pasta.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Complement the dish with a bowl of minestrone soup or a Caesar salad for a heartier dining experience.
• For a family-style gathering, serve the beef tomato pasta on a large platter and encourage guests to build their own plates with additional toppings like fresh basil, crushed red pepper, and shredded mozzarella.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the sauce: This beef tomato pasta is all about the rich, flavorful sauce. Be sure to use the full amount of tomatoes, broth, and seasonings for maximum taste.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices as needed to balance the flavors.
• Forgetting to drain the fat: After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet before proceeding with the recipe. This will prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
• Not simmering the sauce long enough: Taking the time to let the sauce simmer and the flavors meld is crucial for achieving the best possible taste.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These beef tomato pasta dishes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cooked pasta, then let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the pasta.
• Freezing baked: Allow the finished dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat the beef tomato pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to reconstitute the sauce.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this beef tomato pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal-prepping or making in advance. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Yes, you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken in this recipe. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the dish will still be delicious. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as turkey and chicken tend to cook faster than beef.
Is this beef tomato pasta recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
To make this dish more keto-friendly, you can replace the traditional pasta with zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or other low-carb pasta alternatives. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of tomato sauce or replace it with a creamy, cheese-based sauce to further lower the carb content.
What should I do if the sauce seems too thick or too thin?
If the sauce appears too thick, simply add a splash of beef broth or water and stir to thin it out. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes longer to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also stir in a small amount of tomato paste to help thicken the sauce.
Can I add additional vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This beef tomato pasta is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetable additions. Some great options include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the onions and garlic, then incorporate them into the sauce.
Conclusion
These comforting beef tomato pasta dishes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a family-friendly weeknight meal or as part of a cozy gathering with friends, they’re sure to impress with their rich, savory sauce and tender bites of beef.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these beef tomato pasta dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the kitchen.
Print
Comforting Beef Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 ounces dried pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
• Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
• Step 5: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the beef tomato sauce and toss to combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Comforting Beef Tomato Pasta
