Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is like laying the foundation for a story. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium 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 frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces pasta of choice (penne or macaroni work well)
If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute ground turkey for beef, or use fresh tomatoes instead of canned — the key is making it your own, just like Mum would say.
Instructions
Cooking is an art, and every step is a brushstroke. Follow these steps to create your masterpiece:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the frozen peas to the beef mixture and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Combine the beef mixture with the cooked pasta, and transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Place under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Remember, patience is key — let the flavors come together naturally, just like how Mum taught me to let a good stew simmer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
