Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Vegetables

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

Cook the Ground Beef

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 Sauce

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

Simmer the Sauce

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

Cook the Pasta

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

Serve the Dish

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

Serving Suggestions: For the perfect serving experience, layer the pasta with a generous amount of the meat sauce and sprinkle a bit of hard cheese on top. The contrast of that savory cheese against the rich, hearty sauce will have everyone craving seconds. Pair with a fresh garden salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing crunch. 🍅🧀 Feeling adventurous? Set up a mini pasta bar! Lay out a variety of toppings like crushed red pepper, fresh herbs, and even chili flakes for those who love a little heat. This way, each guest can customize their pasta just the way they like it! 💚✨

Equipment

Variations

Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations: 🌿 For those needing gluten-free options, simply switch to gluten-free pasta. There are many tasty alternatives available that cook up just as perfectly! If you're looking to make this dish vegan, replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. For the sauce, use vegetable broth instead of water, and don’t forget to check that your tomato sauce is vegan-friendly! This way, you can enjoy all the heartiness without any animal products. 🌱✨

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.

Nutrition facts

Delicious Pasta with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce
Recipe Yield:4 servings
Calories:Estimated calorie range per serving based on ingredients used.
Calories (Min - Max):600 - 800
Total Fat:25g
Saturated Fat:10g
Protein:40g
Total Carbohydrate:75g
Total Sugars:8g