Why You’ll Love This Pasta with Meat Sauce Recipe
Pasta with meat sauce is a classic dish that everyone loves. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The meat sauce is made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and canned tomatoes, along with flavorful herbs and spices. It’s a great way to get a serving of protein and veggies in one delicious meal. Serve it with your favorite type of pasta and you’ve got a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this pasta with meat sauce recipe for 4 servings:
- 500g pasta
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 800g canned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
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Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
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Serve the pasta with the meat sauce on top. Enjoy!
Variations
- Vegetarian: If you’re vegetarian, you can swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or add some chopped veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy: If you like your food with a kick, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Creamy: To make the sauce creamier, stir in some heavy cream or coconut cream at the end of cooking.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion
This pasta with meat sauce recipe is a classic dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The meat sauce is made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and canned tomatoes, along with flavorful herbs and spices. It’s a great way to get a serving of protein and veggies in one delicious meal. Serve it with your favorite type of pasta and you’ve got a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. It will give the dish a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, depending on how much pasta each person wants to eat.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like in this recipe. Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni would all work well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meat sauce ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to serve it. Just reheat the sauce on the stove before serving.
Can I omit the red pepper flakes if I don’t like spicy food?
Yes, you can leave out the red pepper flakes if you don’t like spicy food. The dish will still be flavorful without them.
Can I add other vegetables to the meat sauce?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to the meat sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them before adding them to the sauce.
Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes. However, the sauce may be slightly thinner in consistency.
How long does it take to cook the meat sauce?
The meat sauce takes about 30-40 minutes to cook, depending on how thick you want it to be.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs. Just use about three times as much fresh herbs as you would dried herbs.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use a different type of meat instead of ground beef. Ground pork, ground chicken, or ground lamb would all work well in this recipe.
