Nothing brings people together like the power of a delicious, home-cooked meal. As a single father, I've found that the kitchen serves as a bonding zone, a place where my children and I can connect over the simple act of creating something together. One of our all-time favorite dishes to make is a hearty pasta with meat sauce. This recipe, which has been passed down through generations, is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or for a few days' worth of leftovers. Let's dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
2lbs Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (hot, sweet, mild) or any combination
6oz Can tomato paste
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
28 oz can whole tomatoes
A drizzle of olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Dried Oregano
Dried Basil
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Optional: Fresh garlic, basil
A box of any tube-type pasta (rigatoni, penne, etc.) or whatever you prefer
Equipment:
Cheese Grater (Optional)
Cooking Process: The process begins with browning 2lbs of your chosen meat combination. Whether you prefer ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of both, the choice is yours. There's something cathartic about hearing the sizzle of the meat in the pan, a sound that signals the beginning of a cooking adventure. Remember to drain the fat once the meat is browned, to ensure your sauce isn't overly greasy. Next, stir in the tomato paste, sautéing until the paste starts to glisten. The transformation of tomato paste as it cooks, darkening in color and enhancing in flavor, is something I find fascinating. Add the crushed tomatoes next and set the heat to medium-low, waiting for that delightful bubbling sound before stirring. Once the sauce starts bubbling, it's time to add the whole tomatoes. I love the rustic feel of crushing the tomatoes by hand using a potato masher or cooking spoon, releasing their juice into the sauce. Once again, wait for the sauce to bubble before adding the seasonings. Then, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for at least an hour, partially covered. This is the perfect time to get the kids involved, letting them take turns stirring the sauce occasionally. An hour later, add the Parmesan cheese, stirring it in slowly. The cheese will help to thicken the sauce, adding a beautiful creaminess and depth of flavor. Seasoning and Meat Notes: When it comes to seasoning, I usually add about 1 tablespoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, and 2 teaspoons of dried oregano. However, the beauty of cooking is the ability to adjust according to your personal taste. Once the meats are tender, feel free to adjust the seasoning as you see fit. If you prefer, fresh basil can be added while the sauce cooks, infusing it with a vibrant, aromatic quality. In terms of meat choice, if you're short on time, opt for ground beef with a higher fat content. If you have more time for the sauce to simmer, leaner meat can be used, as it will tenderize over time. Personalizing the Recipe: One of the joys of this recipe is the ability to make it your own. Experiment with different the
meat combinations or seasoning amounts. Play around with the cooking time and the amount of water added to achieve your preferred sauce consistency. Just remember to add water a little at a time – you can always add more, but you can't take it out. If the sauce becomes too runny, simply remove the lid and let it simmer until some of the liquid evaporates. And don't forget to scrape the sides of the pot as it cooks – those caramelized bits add a ton of flavor. Pasta Notes: Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. This recipe makes a thick, robust sauce that pairs well with tube-type pastas like rigatoni or penne. These types of pasta hold the sauce well, ensuring every bite is full of that rich, meaty goodness. However, you are free to use whatever type of pasta you prefer. Serving Suggestions: There's something incredibly satisfying about that first forkful of pasta, seeing it coated in the rich, meaty sauce, and sprinkling it with a bit more Parmesan cheese. A dash of crushed red pepper adds a kick for those who like a bit of heat. And what pasta dish is complete without a side of salad and thick-cut Italian bread slathered with butter? The bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate – a trick my kids absolutely love. And there you have it, a hearty spaghetti with meat sauce that is sure to please. It's a testament to the power of simplicity and the joy of creating something truly delicious from a few basic ingredients. But more than that, it's a dish that brings my family together, a dish that has become a staple in our home, and one that I hope will become a staple in yours as well. Above all, remember to enjoy the process. The true magic of cooking lies not just in the end result, but in the journey to get there. From browning the meat to simmering the sauce to sharing the meal with your loved ones, each step is a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite music, and get ready to create something special. Happy cooking, and enjoy!
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