Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tender Pasta and Hearty Beef is a timeless comfort dish that delivers warmth, richness, and satisfaction in every bite. It is the kind of meal that feels familiar yet never boring, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or relaxed family meals. What I appreciate most about this recipe is its balance: the pasta remains soft and tender without becoming mushy, while the beef is deeply savory and filling. When I first prepared this dish, I focused on building flavor slowly, allowing the beef to brown properly before combining it with the sauce and pasta. The result was a cohesive, comforting meal that required no complicated techniques. This recipe is reliable, flexible, and approachable, perfect for home cooks who want a hearty dish without unnecessary complexity.
Print
Tender Pasta and Hearty Beef – A Comforting Classic Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting one-pan dish featuring tender pasta tossed with savory, well-seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks; drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- This dish reheats well for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta
Short pasta shapes such as penne or fusilli work best, as they hold the sauce well and maintain their texture during cooking.
Ground beef
Beef provides the hearty base of the dish. Using moderately lean ground beef ensures flavor without excess grease.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and depth, forming the aromatic foundation of the sauce.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory notes and brings warmth to the overall flavor.
Tomato sauce
A smooth tomato sauce binds the pasta and beef together, adding richness and gentle acidity.
Beef broth
Beef broth deepens the savory flavor and keeps the sauce from becoming too thick.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing and adds subtle richness.
Italian seasoning
This blend of herbs reinforces classic comfort-food flavors.
Salt
Salt enhances all ingredients and balances the sauce.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and complexity.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan finishes the dish with a salty, nutty accent.
Directions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for 10–15 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until evenly coated with the sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, cooking time is about 30 minutes, and the total time required is around 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is possible but should be done in short intervals.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe adapts easily to different preferences. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version or use beef chunks simmered longer for a more rustic texture. Adding vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers increases nutritional value and flavor complexity.
For a creamier version, stir in a small amount of cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking. If you prefer a spicier profile, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste. Different pasta shapes or whole wheat pasta also work well without altering the core flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 48 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 860 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Brown the beef properly
Allowing the beef to brown develops deeper flavor.
Season in layers
Seasoning during cooking ensures balanced taste.
Do not overcook the pasta
Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed with sauce.
Let the sauce simmer
Simmering improves richness and cohesion.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, most short pasta shapes work well in this recipe.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and maintains good texture.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese.
What beef works best?
Moderately lean ground beef offers the best balance of flavor and texture.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms integrate easily.
Conclusion
Tender Pasta and Hearty Beef is a dependable, comforting recipe that brings together simple ingredients and satisfying flavors. It is easy to prepare, adaptable, and ideal for both busy weeknights and relaxed family meals.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!