Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients like we did back in my childhood kitchen, where every item had a purpose and a memory attached to it.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups cooked pasta (your choice, but we often used penne)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Olive oil for cooking
If you fancy a twist, you can substitute the cheddar with mozzarella for a gooey surprise, or swap the pasta for rice to change up the texture.
Instructions
Let’s cook up some memories, just like in the good old days when my mum and I would work side by side.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring well to coat each piece with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy with the people who mean the most to you.
As you cook, remember to smile—it makes the food taste even better. My mum always said that the secret ingredient is a happy heart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
