Tomato & Marinara

Pappardelle With Tomato And Meat Sauce

Name: Pappardelle With Tomato And Meat Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 12 oz (340g) pappardelle pasta; 1 cup (250ml) grated Parmesan cheese

By Kira Fairchild · June 19, 2026 · Tomato & Marinara

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

Pappardelle With Tomato And Meat Sauce — Hearty pappardelle with rich tomato and meat sauce

I still remember Sunday dinners at my Nonna's house, where the whole family would gather around the table to enjoy a warm, comforting meal. One of my favorite dishes was her pappardelle with tomato and meat sauce, a classic Italian-American recipe that never failed to impress. The combination of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and flavorful tomatoes was a match made in heaven. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make this beloved dish from scratch, just like Nonna used to make.

What I love about this recipe is that it's both easy to make and impressive to serve. The meat sauce is made with ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs, which gives it a deep, rich flavor that's perfect for a special occasion. The pappardelle pasta is cooked al dente and then tossed with the sauce, creating a beautiful, saucy dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, as it serves four people and can be made in under an hour. You can also make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later, making it a great option for busy weeknights. So, if you're looking for a delicious and comforting Italian-American recipe, look no further than my pappardelle with tomato and meat sauce.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through every step of the process, from cooking the pasta to making the meat sauce. I'll also share some tips and tricks for getting the best flavor out of your ingredients, so you can make this dish like a pro. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

So, let's get started! With this recipe, you'll be able to create a delicious, comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. Your family and friends will love the rich, meaty flavor of the sauce, and the tender pappardelle pasta will be a hit with everyone. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try – I promise you won't be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The meat sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later
The pappardelle pasta is a fun and unique shape that kids will love
The dish is perfect for a family dinner, as it serves four people and can be made in under an hour
The combination of the meat sauce and the pasta is a match made in heaven
The recipe is customizable, so you can add your own favorite ingredients to make it your own

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great pappardelle with tomato and meat sauce is in the layers of flavor. The meat sauce is made with ground beef, which is browned to create a rich, caramelized crust. This crust is then simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and spices to create a deep, complex flavor that's perfect for coating the pasta.

The pappardelle pasta is cooked al dente, which means it still has a bit of bite to it. This is important, as it helps the pasta hold onto the sauce. When you toss the pasta with the sauce, the starches in the pasta help to thicken the sauce, creating a beautiful, saucy dish that's sure to impress.

The combination of the meat sauce and the pasta is what makes this dish so special. The rich, meaty flavor of the sauce pairs perfectly with the tender pasta, creating a match made in heaven. And, with the addition of some grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including ground beef, tomatoes, herbs, and pappardelle pasta. You'll also need some olive oil, salt, and pepper to bring out the flavors. Don't worry if you don't have all of these ingredients on hand – you can easily substitute them with similar ingredients that you have in your pantry.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the ground beef. You'll want to choose a high-quality ground beef that's at least 80% lean, as this will help to create a rich, meaty flavor. You'll also want to choose a good-quality tomato, such as a San Marzano or other fresh tomato, as this will help to create a deep, complex flavor.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose a high-quality ground beef that's at least 80% lean, as this will help to create a rich, meaty flavor
2 tbsp olive oilUse a good-quality olive oil to bring out the flavors of the dish
1 onion, dicedChoose a sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or other sweet onion, as this will help to create a deep, complex flavor
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor
2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoesChoose a good-quality tomato, such as a San Marzano or other fresh tomato, as this will help to create a deep, complex flavor
1 tsp dried basilUse fresh or dried basil to add a bright, herbaceous flavor to the dish
1 tsp dried oreganoUse fresh or dried oregano to add a pungent, earthy flavor to the dish
1/2 tsp saltUse kosher salt or other flaky salt to bring out the flavors of the dish
1/4 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper to add a sharp, peppery flavor to the dish
12 oz (340g) pappardelle pastaChoose a high-quality pappardelle pasta that's made with durum wheat semolina, as this will help to create a tender, slightly chewy texture
1 cup (250ml) grated Parmesan cheeseUse a good-quality Parmesan cheese, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or other aged Parmesan, as this will help to create a rich, nutty flavor

Ingredients for Pappardelle With Tomato And Meat Sauce

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenLarge skilletColander or strainerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometerCheese grater or food processor

How to Make Pappardelle With Tomato And Meat Sauce

1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) on an instant-read thermometer
2
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes
5
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine
6
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's thickened and the flavors have melded together, about 20-25 minutes
7
While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle pasta until it's al dente, about 8-10 minutes
8
Reserve 1 cup (250ml) of the pasta water and then drain the pasta in a colander or strainer
9
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to combine, and adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick
10
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and the sauce is creamy
11
Serve the pappardelle hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality ground beef that's at least 80% lean to create a rich, meaty flavor
Don't overcook the pasta – it should still have a bit of bite to it
Add some of the reserved pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick
Use a good-quality Parmesan cheese, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or other aged Parmesan, to create a rich, nutty flavor
Don't be afraid to customize the recipe to your taste – add your own favorite ingredients to make it your own
Make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later to save time during the week
Use a cheese grater or food processor to grate the Parmesan cheese for a smooth, creamy texture
Add some fresh basil or other herbs to the sauce for a bright, fresh flavor

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing
Not browning the ground beef enough, which can make the sauce lack flavor
Not using enough salt, which can make the dish taste bland
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can make the sauce too thick
Not using a good-quality Parmesan cheese, which can make the dish lack flavor
Not customizing the recipe to your taste, which can make the dish boring and uninteresting

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or other vegetables to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to create a unique flavor profile
Add some spice to the sauce, such as red pepper flakes or hot sauce, to give it a kick
Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, to create a unique texture
Add some meatballs or sausage to the sauce for added protein and flavor
Use a different type of tomato, such as cherry tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, to create a unique flavor profile
Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to the sauce for a bright, fresh flavor

What to Serve With Pappardelle With Tomato And Meat Sauce

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, as it serves four people and can be made in under an hour. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The pappardelle pasta is also a fun and unique shape that kids will love, making it a great option for a family dinner.

Some other ideas for serving this recipe include:

Serve with a green saladServe with garlic breadServe with roasted vegetablesServe with a side of meatballs or sausage

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later, making it a great option for busy weeknights. To refrigerate, simply cool the sauce to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, cool the sauce to room temperature and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label and date the container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat the sauce, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until it's warm and bubbly.

Some other tips for storing and reheating this recipe include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef should I use for this recipe?

Choose a high-quality ground beef that's at least 80% lean, as this will help to create a rich, meaty flavor

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, to create a unique texture

How do I customize the recipe to my taste?

You can customize the recipe by adding your own favorite ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or meatballs, to create a unique flavor profile

Can I make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later, making it a great option for busy weeknights

How do I reheat the sauce?

To reheat the sauce, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and bubbly

What are some ideas for serving this recipe?

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to create a unique flavor profile

How do I store the sauce in the refrigerator or freezer?

To store the sauce in the refrigerator, simply cool it to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store it in the freezer, cool it to room temperature and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label and date the container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months

The Full Recipe

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