Description
When you need a quick and satisfying dinner, this Irresistible Pasta with Minced Beef has you covered. It’s a hearty combination of perfectly cooked pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy tomato flavors that’s sure to become a family favorite. With just 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting dish packed with bold flavors. Perfect for weeknights or any time you’re craving something deliciously easy.
Ingredients
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For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb minced beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 paprika (bell pepper), diced
- 0.5 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups tomato pulp
- 0.75 cups heavy cream
- Salt, black pepper, and oregano to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
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For the Pasta:
- 0.5 lb pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, etc.)
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For Garnishing:
- Parsley, chopped (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat a splash of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and diced paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the minced beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano to taste.
3. Build the Sauce:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they soften, releasing their juices (about 3-5 minutes).
- Pour in the tomato pulp and stir well. Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Make it Creamy:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Mix well to create a rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
- Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Divide the pasta onto plates or bowls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute proteins: Ground turkey or chicken works just as well as minced beef.
- Vegetable additions: For extra nutrition, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired