Benefits of making pasta with meat sauce
This recipe for pasta with meat sauce is perfect because it uses basic pantry staples that most people already have. You do not need any special skills to get a great result every time you cook it. It is a very satisfying meal that provides plenty of energy for the whole family. The flavours are mild and pleasant so even picky eaters will usually enjoy this dish.
How to prepare pasta with meat sauce
Prepare the base: Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic cloves. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes until it is soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute without letting it brown.
Brown the meat: Add the minced beef to the pan with the onions. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon so there are no large lumps left. Cook the beef until it is brown all over and no pink parts remain in the pan. Drain away any excess fat if there is a lot of liquid in the pan.
Simmer the sauce: Pour the chopped tomatoes and tomato puree into the pan with the meat. Add the dried oregano along with a little salt and pepper for seasoning. Stir everything well and let the pasta with meat sauce simmer gently for fifteen minutes. This helps the flavours develop and the sauce thicken slightly as it cooks.
Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water while the sauce simmers. Add the pasta and cook according to the packet instructions until it is tender but firm. Drain the pasta in a colander and mix it directly into the sauce. Serve the meal immediately while it is nice and hot for the best taste.
Extra tips for pasta with meat sauce
You can add a little bit of grated carrot to the sauce for extra sweetness and vitamins. If the sauce becomes too thick, just add a splash of the pasta water to thin it out before serving. Using high quality tinned tomatoes makes a big difference to the final flavour of the dish. Make sure the water is boiling rapidly before you add the pasta to the pot.
You can also swap the beef for minced pork or a mixture of both if you prefer a different taste. This pasta with meat sauce tastes even better the next day if you have leftovers for lunch. Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge once they have cooled down. Always reheat the food until it is piping hot throughout before eating.
Find more ideas here:
glazed roast pork leg,
grapefruit with sugar or
swedish meatballs.
