Hearty Homestyle Pasta with Meat Sauce: A Comforting Family Dinner”
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) pasta (ziti or macaroni)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Meat:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat to the pot.
- Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In another pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the flavors.
- Serve:
- Ladle the pasta into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
This recipe creates a robust and comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!
