Rich Tomato Beef Sauce Served Over Pasta
A hearty, flavorful tomato beef sauce with aromatic herbs, perfect for serving over pasta, ideal for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup celery, diced ⓘ
- 4 oz. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- dash of basil ⓘ
- dash of thyme ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasonings ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 can (20 oz.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 cup beef stock ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup red wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions, celery, mushrooms, and garlic in olive oil in a large saucepan.
- Add ground beef and cook until the meat begins to brown.
- Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, stirring often.
- Reduce heat and simmer slowly for 1 hour.
- Serve over your favorite pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting ground beef with ground chuck or even a mix of beef and pork. You can enhance the sauce by adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you want to add veggies, diced bell peppers or carrots work great. For a twist, try using red wine instead of beef stock or serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rich tomato beef sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a hearty meal. A side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad complements this dish wonderfully. For a complete Italian experience, consider pairing it with a glass of red wine and a light dessert like tiramisu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water if the sauce thickens too much. This sauce also freezes well; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich Tomato Beef Sauce Served Over Pasta contains roughly 1248 calories, with 31g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (81% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and protein (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2634mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
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 use a different type of meat for this sauce?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a unique flavor, try using Italian sausage. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly if you choose a different meat.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock and ensure the tomato products are labeled as vegetarian. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?
This rich tomato beef sauce pairs beautifully with various pasta shapes. Spaghetti is a classic choice, but penne rigate or farfalle also work well, as they hold the sauce nicely. Feel free to experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
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).