Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality feast that will have your family begging for seconds! This Tomato Basil Beef Pasta is not just another pasta dish - it's a flavor explosion that combines tender ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and fresh basil in a way that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a quick meal or a passionate foodie seeking a delicious Italian-inspired creation, this recipe is your ultimate culinary shortcut to happiness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook beef until browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the beef and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add diced tomatoes and marinara sauce to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 5-6 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Reduce heat to low and add cooked pasta to the beef and tomato mixture. Gently toss to coat pasta evenly.
- If sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Remove skillet from heat and fold in fresh chopped basil, reserving a few leaves for garnish.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with remaining fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- For the most flavorful pasta, use freshly chopped basil and avoid dried herbs if possible. The fresh herbs make a significant difference in taste.
- Don't overcook your pasta - aim for al dente texture by following package instructions and testing a piece before draining.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent a greasy sauce. Use a lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier option.
- Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon! It helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every pasta strand perfectly.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes when serving.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, it reheats beautifully. Simply store in an airtight container and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
