Ingredients
To make this flavorful Beef & Tomato Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pasta
- 16 oz (1 box) of conchiglie (shell) pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- Salt (for the pasta water)
For the Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (you can use lean or regular, depending on your preference)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (you can also use fresh tomatoes)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tbsp tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is done, drain and set it aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water for the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook the beef until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Base
Once the beef is browned, add in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. You can add a bit of the reserved pasta water if you need to loosen the sauce to your liking.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, toss in the cooked pasta. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the flavors from the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta in bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. You can also add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese if you’d like extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
This Beef & Tomato Pasta is versatile, and there are many ways you can make it your own. Here are a few tips and variations to try:
Make It Spicy
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. You can also use a spicy sausage instead of ground beef for a kick of flavor.
Vegetarian Version
To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with lentils, plant-based ground meat, or a medley of chopped vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant. The tomato sauce and seasoning will still provide plenty of flavor.
Cheesy Twist
For a cheesy, baked version, transfer the pasta and sauce to a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Add Some Veggies
If you want to boost the nutritional value, feel free to add in some extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or even peas. These will add some color and extra vitamins to your dish.