There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a hearty bowl of pasta, and this Ground Beef Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Recipe hits all the right notes. Packed with rich, savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a generous sprinkle of nutty Parmesan, this dish is a perfect weeknight meal that feels special without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving something warm and fulfilling after a long day, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into a crowd-pleaser in just under 40 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Ground Beef Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic garlic to the robust rigatoni, these essentials come together to make a rich and hearty meal that’s both balanced and satisfying.
- Ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty base that makes this dish so hearty and comforting.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when sautéed, balancing the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth of flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): Forms a tangy and slightly sweet tomato sauce that perfectly complements the beef.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the sauce’s flavor and adds a rich, concentrated tomato taste.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A fragrant blend that brings herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to the sauce for authentic Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and seasoning the dish properly.
- Rigatoni (12 ounces): A sturdy pasta shape that holds the thick sauce beautifully and adds a nice bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds a salty, nutty creaminess that melts into the pasta like a dream.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Provides a pop of color and a fresh herbal note for garnish.
How to Make Ground Beef Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook them gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step is crucial because softening the onions releases their natural sweetness and forms the flavorful base for your sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic to the onions. Cook for just one minute until fragrant — be careful not to burn it, as garlic can go from perfect to bitter very quickly. This brief sauté really brings out the garlic’s natural aromatic qualities, warming up the whole dish.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Now, stir in the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Browning the beef adds rich, savory flavor and texture. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and spoon in the tomato paste. These two ingredients together create a thick, tangy sauce that’s rich and robust. Stir them well, combining everything evenly for a harmonious sauce base.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld and gives the sauce a delicious, full-bodied taste that’s perfect for coating pasta.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook it according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining — it’s liquid gold for loosening the sauce later if needed.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick. This helps the sauce cling beautifully to each rigatoni, making every bite luscious and flavorful.
Step 8: Stir in Parmesan
Last but not least, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it through until it melts and creates a creamy, velvety texture that binds the dish together. The Parmesan adds that irresistible savory finish that transforms this into a truly comforting meal.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Dish out your piping hot Ground Beef Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Recipe onto plates and top with extra Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley if desired. This not only adds a beautiful fresh pop of color but also a herbal brightness that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors.
How to Serve Ground Beef Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic finishing touch that brings brightness and color. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle more grated Parmesan right on top. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the flavors and add a lovely shine.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread also make fantastic companions for mopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your pasta in shallow bowls layered with fresh basil leaves. You could also bake it briefly with a sprinkle of mozzarella for a bubbly, cheesy topping that adds warmth and texture to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ground Beef Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, which makes it perfect for delicious next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta dish by placing cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave it on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying out the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is sturdy and great for holding the sauce, any medium to large pasta like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work wonderfully with this recipe.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Fresh herbs work too and can really lift the flavors if you have them on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils for a hearty, meat-free version that still tastes delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions or stir some hot sauce into the tomato sauce to give your pasta a satisfying kick.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it separately from the pasta and combine them when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, it’s an ideal go-to meal that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a comforting, delicious dinner tonight!
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Ground Beef Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ground Beef Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich, flavorful beef and tomato sauce, enhanced with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni (or other sturdy pasta)
Toppings
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook ground beef: Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes or until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add tomato base: Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Mix well.
- Season and simmer: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Combine cooked pasta with the beef sauce in the skillet. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if using.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water helps achieve a creamier sauce by loosening it without diluting flavor.
- Use rigatoni or similarly shaped pasta that holds sauce well.
- For added depth, you can sauté mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a pleasing color and freshness.
- Adjust seasoning as needed after simmering the sauce.
