Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces of pasta (spaghetti or penne work well)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup 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 (optional)
If you’d like a twist, feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs. My grandmother, Nonna Rosa, always said that the best recipes are the ones you make your own, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. My mother always taught me that the key to any great dish is waiting for that perfect garlic aroma.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing until well-coated with the savory sauce.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
As you prepare this dish, remember that cooking is a form of storytelling—each ingredient adds its own unique chapter to your culinary tale.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
