Here’s a simple and delicious pasta with meat recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice) – 12 oz (340g)
- Ground beef – 1 lb (450g)
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato sauce – 24 oz (680g)
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
- Diced tomatoes – 14.5 oz can (410g)
- Dried oregano – 1 tsp
- Dried basil – 1 tsp
- Red pepper flakes – 1/4 tsp (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Parmesan cheese – for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley – for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato paste, and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
- Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and meat. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta into bowls, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Enjoy your hearty pasta with meat!
