Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Pasta Sauce is a hearty, savory classic that turns any pasta dish into a comforting meal. With rich tomato flavor, aromatic herbs, and juicy ground beef, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners. This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, penne, or even lasagna layers, offering a satisfying depth of flavor that everyone will love.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicolive oilcrushed tomatoestomato pastebeef brothdried oreganoItalian seasoningbasilsalt and pepperred pepper flakes (optional)sugar (to balance acidity)bay leaf

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, pepper, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaf.

Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve hot over cooked pasta of your choice, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein option.

Splash in a bit of red wine during simmering for added depth.

Make it spicy by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding diced jalapeño.

Double the recipe and freeze half for future meals.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until hot.You can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to peel and cook them longer to achieve the same texture and flavor.

Is this sauce good for lasagna?

Absolutely, it works great as a rich, meaty layer in lasagna.

What kind of pasta goes best with this sauce?

Spaghetti, rigatoni, penne, and fettuccine are excellent choices.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Do I have to use sugar?

It’s optional but helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or add a small amount of tomato paste.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, replace beef with lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a meat substitute.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, the sauce itself is gluten-free; just pair it with gluten-free pasta.

Can I use this for meal prep?

Definitely, it stores and reheats well for easy meals throughout the week.

What herbs can I add for more flavor?

Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Pasta Sauce is a reliable, flavorful go-to for creating comforting pasta dishes. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this sauce brings warmth and satisfaction to the table every time. Whether you’re feeding a family or batch-cooking for the week, this savory classic is sure to please.