This Beef and Tomato Pasta is a quick, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without much fuss. With just four main ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a go-to family favorite.
Why you’ll love this beef and tomato pasta
- Only 4 main ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Easy to customize — add onion, bell pepper, or herbs to taste
Ingredients
- 3 cans stewed tomatoes
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1 pound rotini, penne, or ziti pasta
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes
How to make beef tomato pasta
This recipe uses canned stewed tomatoes to create a simple, flavorful sauce with minimal prep. Cooked ground beef gives the dish protein and transforms it from a side into a complete main course.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks, then drain any excess fat. Season the beef with black pepper.
Add the stewed tomatoes to the browned beef and stir to combine. Simmer on medium-low until the sauce is heated and bubbling, then reduce heat and turn off when it reaches a gentle simmer.
Stir the drained pasta into the beef and tomato mixture until everything is well coated and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning; add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan and enjoy with crusty bread and a simple salad. This dish stores well and makes great leftovers for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
This Beef and Tomato Pasta is ideal when time is limited but you still want a comforting, flavorful meal. It’s versatile — swap ground turkey or chicken if you prefer — and easy to stretch with extra vegetables or a different pasta shape.
📖 Recipe
Beef and Tomato Pasta
A simple, family-friendly pasta made with ground beef and stewed tomatoes — ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 cans stewed tomatoes
- 1 lb 90/10 ground beef
- 1 lb rotini, penne, or ziti pasta
- 2 teaspoons black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat and season with pepper.
- Add the stewed tomatoes to the beef, stir well, and simmer until heated through.
- Toss the drained pasta into the beef and tomato sauce until combined. Serve topped with Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Variations: substitute ground turkey or chicken, add sautéed onion and green bell pepper for more flavor, or stir in fresh basil or Italian seasoning.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving: Calories 469; Carbohydrates 70 g; Protein 27 g; Fat 9 g; Sodium 509 mg. Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — ground turkey or ground chicken both work well as a lean substitute.
Garlic bread and a simple green salad or Caprese-style salad are great accompaniments.
Yes — diced tomatoes will work. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer to reduce excess liquid.
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This nutrition information is approximate and was calculated with online tools. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.