Beefy Tomato Pasta Sauce
A hearty beef and tomato pasta sauce bursting with rich flavors and herbs, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a comforting, savory profile.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (46 oz.) can tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 4 tsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet, stirring until browned and crumbly.
- Place cooked ground beef in a colander and pour hot water over it to drain well.
- Wipe the skillet with a paper towel to remove any remaining drippings, then return the ground beef to the skillet.
- Add tomato juice, tomato paste, and tomato soup to the skillet with the beef.
- Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, sugar, oregano, poultry seasoning, nutmeg, thyme, and sage.
- Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook vermicelli according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and serve topped with the beefy tomato sauce and remaining Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or sautéing onions and garlic with the ground beef. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, add diced tomatoes or bell peppers. This Beefy Tomato Pasta Sauce is versatile and pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Baked Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Beefy Tomato Pasta Sauce over cooked vermicelli, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also top it with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish. This sauce is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beefy Tomato Pasta Sauce contains roughly 710 calories, with 26g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (234% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 65g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes mixed with water. This will give your sauce a similar consistency and flavor.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the ground beef. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, and feel free to experiment with different spices to create your desired level of spiciness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).