Classic Beef Pasta Sauce Recipe

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hour

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a classic beef pasta sauce simmering on the stove. This rich, hearty sauce combines ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs for a timeless flavor that’s perfect over spaghetti, rigatoni, or any of your favorite noodles. Whether you’re cooking for the family or batch-prepping for the week, this easy, homemade sauce is a staple worth mastering. It’s affordable, freezes beautifully, and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

500g (1 lb) ground beef

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 can (400g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional for a chunkier sauce)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a little kick)

1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

¼ cup red wine (optional, but recommended)

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Instructions:

Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Tomato Paste & Wine
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in red wine (if using) and let it reduce for about 2–3 minutes.
Simmer the Sauce
Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (if using), oregano, basil, chili flakes, and sugar. Stir well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors deepen.
Taste & Finish
Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Stir in fresh chopped basil or parsley just before serving.
Serve
Toss with your favorite cooked pasta—like spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne. Top with grated Parmesan and more fresh herbs.

Tips for Perfect Beef Pasta Sauce:

Use fresh garlic and onion for depth of flavor—don’t substitute powders.
Simmer low and slow to develop the richest flavor.
Deglaze with red wine or a splash of beef broth to lift browned bits from the pan.
Make it ahead of time—the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
Double the batch and freeze half for a future quick dinner.
Add-ins? Try mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to sneak in veggies.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A):

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A: Yes! The flavor will be a bit lighter, but still delicious. You may want to add a touch of extra olive oil for richness.

Q: Is the red wine necessary?

A: Not at all. It adds depth, but you can skip it or use beef broth for a similar effect.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

A: Yes—use about 4–5 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.

Q: What type of pasta works best?

A: Spaghetti is classic, but rigatoni, penne, or even pappardelle all work beautifully.