Easy Pasta with Italian Sausage and Beef Sauce

This easy pasta with Italian sausage and ground beef is rich, hearty, and perfect for camping trips or busy weeknights. Made with simple ingredients and packed with so much flavor.

Looking for a hearty, easy pasta dinner that feels a little special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? This Pasta with Italian Sausage and Beef Sauce is exactly what you need. This dish is packed with bold, savory flavors and made with pantry staples like tomato paste, red wine, and a simple Italian seasoning blend.

It’s a favorite in our house— especially when we’re camping in our RV! After a long day of fishing, hiking, or exploring, this quick and satisfying meal comes together easily with just one pan and a pot of pasta. Whether you’re cooking outdoors or at home, this is a no-fail recipe you'll want to keep in your back pocket.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy, even in a small RV kitchen

• Big, bold flavor with minimal ingredients

• Perfect for feeding a crowd or making leftovers for tomorrow

Tips for Cooking in an RV

• One-Pot Hack: Save cleanup by reusing your pasta pot for the sauce after draining the noodles.

• Prepping Ahead: Dice your onion, pepper, and garlic at home to save time at the campsite.

• Wine Swap: If you don’t have wine handy, beef broth makes a great substitute.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 to 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• ½ cup red wine

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 12 oz pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)

• 1 cup reserved pasta water

• Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water — you'll use this later to adjust the sauce if necessary. Set the pasta aside.

2. Brown the Meat & Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease—I did not drain enough—oops!

3. Build the Sauce: Adjust the temperature to medium-low. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to concentrate the flavors. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning blend and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes to slightly reduce.

4. Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce looks too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the consistency is silky and coats the back of a spoon. Adjust seasonings, as needed.

5. Toss and Serve: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add a little more pasta water if needed to help everything cling together beautifully.

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan, and a glass of your favorite red wine, if desired.

If you're looking to round out the meal, here are some easy, RV-friendly sides that pair perfectly with this hearty pasta. Most of these can be made with just a few ingredients and minimal equipment — ideal whether you're cooking in a cozy kitchen or on the road!

Easy Side Ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Brush French bread with olive oil and garlic powder, then toast it in a pan or RV oven.

• Simple Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a fresh, quick side.

• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms grill up fast and add a colorful touch.

• Caesar Salad Kit: Easy to store and even easier to toss together at the last minute.

• Roasted Broccoli: Crisp and flavorful — just toss with olive oil and roast in an oven or air fryer.

• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of olive oil — no cooking required!

• Marinated Olives: A quick, flavorful side that’s ready straight from the container.

• Steamed Green Beans: Steam fresh or frozen green beans and toss with butter and salt.

Pro Tip:

When RV cooking, I always lean into sides that either don’t require much heat or can be prepped ahead of time — it keeps cleanup easy and mealtime stress-free!

I’d love to hear from you!

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below — it makes my day to hear how it turns out. Especially if you’re cooking it on the road!— and if you made any fun twists or swaps, be sure to share those too.

Happy cooking!

xoxox

~ Bek