An easy, cozy, flavor-packed pasta recipe the whole family will crave!
Before we dive into the heartiness of this Beef Ragu Pasta, let me just say—thank you. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a loyal subscriber, I’m so grateful you’re here. This little corner of the internet is built on shared meals, joyful cooking, and the belief that comfort food can be fast, flavorful, and completely satisfying. And today’s recipe? It hits all three.
This ground beef pasta in tomato sauce is one of those magical weeknight wonders: affordable, quick to pull together, and just downright delicious. Seared, juicy ground beef, a rich garlicky tomato sauce, and a toss of gooey melted parmesan—tell me, what’s not to love?
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What is Beef Ragu Pasta?
Think of this as a simplified Italian-style beef ragu—with all the comforting, slow-cooked vibes but done in under 40 minutes! It’s a stovetop hug, made with pantry staples, packed with flavor, and flexible enough to be dressed up or down. The tomato sauce is deeply savory, the beef is browned and tender, and the pasta? Oh, it soaks up all that saucy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Pasta
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes!
- Hearty & Filling: Perfect for hungry bellies or meal prepping.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this one.
- Customizable: Play with seasonings, veggies, or pasta types.
What It Tastes Like
This pasta dish brings the richness of a slow-simmered ragu but with the weeknight ease we all need. The tomato sauce is bold and savory, balanced with a touch of sweetness from caramelized onions and the deep umami of grated parmesan. The garlic? You’ll smell it before you taste it—and that’s always a good sign.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and canned tomatoes are inexpensive and versatile.
- Meal-Prep Perfect: Make a big batch and enjoy it over the week!
- Balanced Meal: Protein, carbs, and a little cheese = happiness.
- One-Pot Option: You can make this all in one large skillet if you prefer.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti all work)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Medium pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Cheese grater
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Pasta: Swap in gluten-free, whole wheat, or even zucchini noodles.
- Meat: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Cheese: Mozzarella, ricotta, or pecorino are all great finishers.
How to Make Beef Ragu Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Sear the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it brown until there’s no more pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant—about 1 minute.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste (if using), then pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until thickened slightly.
Step 4: Boil the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add drained pasta to the sauce along with grated parmesan. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a generous shower of parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
What to Serve with Beef Ragu Pasta
- Garlic Bread: You’ll want it for scooping up that leftover sauce!
- Simple Green Salad: Light and refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Veggies: Think Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini.
- Glass of Red Wine: Cabernet or Chianti pairs beautifully.
Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it’ll continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
- Use fresh garlic, not powder, for max flavor.
- Stir the sauce occasionally while simmering so it doesn’t stick.
- Finish with a splash of reserved pasta water for silky texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in zip-top bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stove with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day.
What’s the best pasta shape for this?
Rigatoni or penne hold the sauce well, but use what you have!
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use a bigger pan and double all ingredients accordingly.
Is it spicy?
Only if you add the red pepper flakes—totally optional.
Conclusion
This Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is everything I love in a meal: cozy, hearty, fast, and made with real, simple ingredients. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again—whether for a weeknight dinner or a Sunday family gathering.
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Leave a Review & Pin It!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review below and tag your photos on Pinterest—#MyCozyKitchen so I can cheer you on!
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g