Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Tender Meat
Ingredients:
12 oz wide, flat pasta (like pappardelle or fettuccine)
1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
2 cups homemade or store-bought tomato sauce
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley), for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain, reserving a cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
Prepare the Meat: In a black pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Cook the Meat: Add the ground meat to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
Add the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Presentation: The wide, flat noodles glisten with rich, flavorful tomato sauce and tender meat, making for a satisfying and mouthwatering dish.