Rustic Pappardelle with Savory Meat & Tomato Sauce

A comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish made with wide, silky pappardelle noodles tossed in a rich tomato sauce with savory ground meat, tender vegetables, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) pappardelle pasta

• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Meat & Tomato Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 1 medium carrot, diced

• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• ½ cup beef broth

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving:

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish

• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the pappardelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

3. Cook until browned and no pink remains.

4. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

1. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the skillet.

2. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

2. Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth.

3. Season with oregano, basil, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

4. Stir everything together.

5. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors develop.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pappardelle directly into the sauce.

2. Gently toss until every ribbon is coated.

3. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

4. Stir in fresh parsley.

Step 6: Serve

1. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls.

2. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Garnish with fresh parsley.

4. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil.

5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving (1/4 of recipe, including Parmesan).

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the pasta, meat, broth, and cheese brands used.

Helpful Tips

• For extra flavor: Let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

• For a lighter version: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey.

• For extra vegetables: Add chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

• For creaminess: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream before adding pasta.

• For storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• For reheating: Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Questions & Answers (Q&A)

Q1: Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! Fettuccine, tagliatelle, rigatoni, or linguine work beautifully.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the meat sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey makes a lighter alternative while still providing plenty of protein.

Q4: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Cook it in plenty of boiling water, stir occasionally, and toss it with the sauce immediately after draining.

Q5: Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes! Freeze the cooled meat sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q6: Is this recipe spicy?

No, it is mildly seasoned. Simply leave out the red pepper flakes for a completely mild flavor.

Q7: What can I serve alongside this pasta?

Garlic bread, a fresh Mediterranean salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli are excellent choices.