Ah, Beef Pasta — a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender ground beef (or beef strips) with pasta and a flavorful sauce. Here’s a versatile recipe that works with spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta shape.
🍝 Beef Pasta
(Serves 4)
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or thinly sliced beef strips)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz / 170 g) tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics:
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add sauce ingredients:
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine with pasta:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the beef sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and toss again.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Creamy twist: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
- Spicy kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy baked version: Place in a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.
If you want, I can give a quick 30-minute “restaurant-style” beef pasta recipe that’s extra savory, with a perfectly balanced sauce that clings to every noodle.
Do you want me to do that?
