Ingredients
Scale
Let’s gather the ingredients for this delightful dish. Remember, the beauty of cooking lies in its flexibility, so feel free to adjust according to your pantry or taste preferences.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (I recommend penne or spaghetti)
If you want to add a twist, try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a different flavor profile.
Instructions
Now onto the heart of the matter—cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat and reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
- Combine the pasta with the sauce, stirring well to ensure every piece is coated in that rich, savory goodness.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for that extra touch of elegance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
