Ingredients
Vegetables



Main Ingredients






Pasta and Cheese



Instructions
Step 1
Dice the onion, carrot, and celery into small cubes. In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat, then add the diced vegetables. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 2
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook the mixture for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. Ensure the meat is browned and cooked through.
Step 3
Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to your taste. Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, followed by the can of tomato sauce and 2 cups of water. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 1 hour, allowing it to thicken and develop rich flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5
While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water for about 12 minutes or until it is al dente. Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
Step 6
To serve, place a portion of the cooked pasta on a plate. Ladle the aromatic meat sauce generously over the pasta and finish with a sprinkle of grated hard cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Servings
Equipment
A great frying pan with a non-stick surface works best to sauté the vegetables and cook the meat without sticking.



This is essential for stirring the sauce as it thickens, allowing you to maintain control without scratching the pan's surface.



Choose a large pot to give the pasta plenty of space to cook evenly. Make sure it has a lid for quicker boiling.



To drain the pasta after cooking, a sturdy colander is important. Make sure it's large enough for easy draining.
Enhance your meal presentation with a beautiful serving dish that makes your pasta look as good as it tastes!


Variations
Faq
- What can I replace ground beef with if I want a healthier option?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier and lighter meal.
- How do I know when my pasta is al dente?
To achieve al dente pasta, cook it until it's firm to the bite; taste a piece before draining to ensure it suits your preference.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat on the stove or microwave.
- Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day in advance. Just reheat it on the stove while you cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
- What should I do if my sauce ends up too watery?
If your sauce is too watery, simmer it longer without a lid to help thicken it up. Adding a little tomato paste can also help!
- How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce?
Try adding a splash of red wine, a pinch of sugar, or fresh herbs like basil and oregano towards the end of cooking for an extra flavor boost.