Perfect Pasta with Meat Sauce

Pasta dishes are always a hit when it comes to family dinners or casual weeknight meals. Whether you're making spaghetti carbonara, fettuccine alfredo, or any other type of pasta dish, there’s something about the comforting flavors that make every bite delicious and satisfying. One such beloved dish is perfect pasta with meat sauce – a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal that can be customized to your taste preferences.

This recipe for pasta with meat sauce provides a hearty and filling dinner option without being overly complex or time-consuming. With just 45 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time! The result is a rich, savory sauce paired perfectly with al dente pasta that has absorbed all the flavors from the sautéed onions, garlic, and ground beef.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of lean ground beef (or turkey or chicken)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pasta - around 12 ounces for four servings

Start by preparing your ingredients. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and have everything else measured out before you begin cooking.

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once it's heated, add chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes. Stir frequently so the onions don’t burn.
2. Next, add minced garlic to the pot and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant but not browned yet. Garlic can quickly go from delicious to bitter if overcooked!
3. Mix in ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned (about 7-10 minutes). Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as you stir.
4. After the meat is browned, pour in one can of crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together so that the sauce coats the ground beef evenly. Let this mixture simmer for about 20 minutes on low heat while stirring occasionally. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully into a rich and flavorful sauce.
5. While the sauce is cooking down, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your chosen pasta type (penne, fusilli, or any shape you prefer) and cook according to package directions until al dente – firm but not hard. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of pasta; typically between 8-12 minutes.
6. Once done, drain your pasta thoroughly before adding it back into the pot with the sauce. Toss gently so that every strand gets covered in the rich meaty sauce.

Salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately. For added flavor and texture, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Conclusion

Pasta with meat sauce is not only easy enough for beginners but also perfect for entertaining guests because it can be adapted based on individual preferences. From adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to varying the types of pasta used, there are countless ways to make this dish your own.

The key to a successful pasta recipe lies in choosing fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors develop through proper cooking techniques. With this simple guide, you'll be able to create a delicious pasta dinner that will satisfy everyone at the table!