This Ground Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce—also known as Beef Ragu Pasta—is a one-pot wonder that delivers big comfort with minimal effort. Made with pantry staples like ground beef, marinara sauce, onion, garlic, and parmesan, it comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights. Hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor, this quick pasta recipe will easily become a family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells recommended)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• ½ sweet onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon instant bouillon cube (chicken or beef)

• 1 (15-ounce) can marinara tomato sauce

• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Directions

1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, bouillon, and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute.

3. Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess fat.

4. Simmer Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Combine: Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked pasta.

6. Finish: Mix in chopped parsley and parmesan until melted. Serve hot.

Nutrients (Estimated Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: ~420 kcal

• Protein: ~25g

• Carbohydrates: ~35g

• Fat: ~20g

• Saturated Fat: ~7g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sodium: Moderate to high (from bouillon and cheese)

One-Pot Efficiency Without Sacrificing Flavor

This dish comes together using pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients. Ground beef offers deep flavor and protein, while marinara sauce keeps things streamlined and full-bodied. Italian seasoning and bouillon build complexity without the need for slow simmering or long ingredient lists.

Unlike traditional beef ragu that might take hours to prepare, this recipe streamlines everything into a fast and reliable meal. You sauté, simmer, and stir it all together in one skillet—then serve hot, straight from the pan. Fewer dishes, faster cooking, and zero compromise on flavor.

Why It’s So Popular with Families and Cooks Alike

Ground Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce hits all the right notes: it’s affordable, fast, satisfying, and appeals to all ages. Kids love the cheesy, tomato-rich sauce and familiar pasta shape, while adults appreciate the hearty texture and aromatic seasoning. It’s also endlessly adaptable—switch up the pasta, sauce, or protein, and you have a completely new variation.

This recipe is also a great starting point for meal planning. Make a large batch, and you’ve got leftovers for lunch the next day. Or freeze portions for future meals when time is tight. Its versatility and convenience make it a go-to for home cooks everywhere.

Nutritionally Balanced Comfort

Though it’s undeniably comforting and rich, this pasta dish offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. Each serving includes approximately 420 calories, delivering about 25g of protein, 35g of carbohydrates, and 20g of fat—enough to satisfy hunger without being overly heavy.

The beef brings essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, while the tomatoes in the marinara sauce are high in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced inflammation. Add whole-grain pasta or sneak in some finely chopped veggies (like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers) to increase the fiber and vitamin content without altering the flavor.

Quick Tips for the Best Ground Beef Pasta

• Use lean ground beef: It reduces excess grease and allows the sauce flavors to shine.

• Season in layers: Adding the bouillon and Italian herbs with the aromatics deepens the savory base.

• Don’t skip the parmesan: It melts into the sauce, adding saltiness, creaminess, and umami.

• Use quality marinara: A good store-bought sauce with real tomatoes, garlic, and herbs enhances the dish without added effort.

• Reserve some pasta water: Add a splash if the sauce gets too thick—its starch helps bind everything together.

Make It Your Own: Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is a blank canvas that welcomes personalization. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Vegetable boost: Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or grated carrots for extra nutrition.

• Protein swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.

• Cheese upgrade: Mix in mozzarella for a stringy finish or ricotta for creaminess.

• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like heat.

• Herb lovers: Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme for a flavor twist.

You can also double the batch and use the extra meat sauce in lasagna, stuffed peppers, or a baked ziti later in the week.

Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This beef pasta stores well, making it an ideal meal prep solution. Simply cool and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats easily in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for a quick, no-stress dinner. You can even bake leftovers with a layer of cheese on top for a crispy pasta bake.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re rushing through a busy week or need something satisfying to feed unexpected guests, this dish fits the moment. Serve it on its own for a complete meal, or pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for a fuller Italian-inspired dinner.

It’s also a great “starter” dish for beginner cooks looking to build confidence in the kitchen. The ingredients are straightforward, the steps are simple, and the results are consistently delicious.

Why You’ll Come Back to This Pasta Again and Again

This Ground Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce stands out because it checks all the boxes:

• Quick to make: Ready in under 30 minutes

• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples

• Comforting: Rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying

• Versatile: Easily adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs

• Reliable: A no-fail dinner option for busy nights

It’s one of those meals that everyone at the table agrees on—a dependable dinner hero that fills your kitchen with the aroma of home-cooked goodness.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Pasta in Tomato Sauce is more than just a quick fix—it’s a family favorite, a weeknight workhorse, and a comfort food classic all in one. With its savory beef, rich marinara sauce, and cheesy finish, this dish brings the heart of Italian-style cooking to your table without the time or fuss.

Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying, this one-pot meal proves that great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a permanent part of your dinner rotation.