Description
A comforting and hearty Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce recipe that combines al dente pasta with a savory ground beef and marinara mixture, enhanced by Italian seasoning and fresh Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish brings rich flavors and satisfying textures all in one bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta
Sauce and Beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp instant bouillon cube (chicken or beef)
- 1 (15 oz) can marinara tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, instant bouillon, and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, crumbling the beef as it cooks, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer: Stir in the marinara tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Season to Taste and Combine with Pasta: Adjust the seasoning with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir the cooked pasta into the sauce until well combined.
- Finish with Cheese and Parsley: Stir in the fresh chopped parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce over 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier.
- Instant bouillon adds depth to the sauce but you can substitute with beef or chicken broth if preferred.
- Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering step.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
