Ingredients
Scale
To embark on this culinary journey, you’ll need a selection of simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1 cup of chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor
Feel free to substitute ingredients as needed. For instance, turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option, and vegetable broth can be used for a different depth of flavor.
Instructions
Here’s how to bring these ingredients together into a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, roughly 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. If you’re adding bell peppers or mushrooms, now is the time to stir them in.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
This simple process transforms everyday ingredients into a dish that feels like a warm embrace, reminiscent of the hearty meals I grew up with.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
