Introduction
This delicious pasta dish combines hearty ground beef, aromatic spices, and creamy sauce for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying family dinner. Follow the instructions below to bring this delightful dish to your table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound (500g) ground beef
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
12 ounces (360g) uncooked pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
1/2 cup (125ml) heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this pasta dish, a great addition to any meal plan. Serve it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of basil for an extra touch of freshness!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook Onion
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Brown Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 5: Add Herbs and Spices
Stir in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Bring to Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 8: Cook Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 12-15 minutes.
Step 9: Stir in Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Step 10: Season and Serve
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
Note 1: Pasta Choice
You can use various types of pasta, such as fusilli or penne, based on your preference.
Note 2: Adjusting Spice Level
Red pepper flakes are optional; adjust the quantity to your spice preference or omit if desired.
Note 3: Cream Alternatives
For a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
Note 4: Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. In this recipe, the onions and garlic are sautéed to develop their flavors before adding other ingredients.
Browning
Browning refers to cooking meat until it develops a rich, brown crust, which enhances flavor. Ground beef is browned in this dish, ensuring a deep, savory taste.
Toasting Spices
Toasting spices involves cooking them briefly in a dry pan or with a small amount of fat to release their essential oils. This enhances their flavor and aroma. In this recipe, dried herbs are toasted with the ground beef.
Simmering
Simmering is cooking food in liquid at a low temperature, where tiny bubbles form but do not completely boil. The dish simmers after adding pasta, allowing flavors to meld while the pasta cooks to the desired tenderness.
Incorporating Cream
Incorporating cream involves adding cream to a dish to enrich the sauce and add a velvety texture. In this recipe, heavy cream is stirred in at the end for added richness.
Seasoning
Seasoning is the process of adding salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance the flavors of a dish. This recipe calls for seasoning at the end for optimal taste.
FAQ
What type of pasta can I use for this recipe?
You can use any short pasta variety such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle.
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative.
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
Pasta is al dente when it is cooked through but still has a slight firmness when bitten. Taste a piece of pasta to determine if it is to your liking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the beef and use extra vegetables, beans, or lentils in place of meat, and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
Conclusion
This hearty pasta dish combines the rich flavors of ground beef, aromatic herbs, and creamy sauce, making it a perfect comfort meal. With a straightforward preparation process, it brings warmth to any dinner table and can easily satisfy a hungry crowd. The addition of freshly grated Parmesan and basil elevates the dish, ensuring a delightful experience with each bite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Version
Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini.
Spicy Sausage Pasta
Replace ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for a kick of flavor. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
One-Pot Taco Pasta
Add taco seasoning to the dish for a fun taco twist, and top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and avocado for a fresh finish.
Seafood Pasta
Incorporate shrimp or scallops instead of beef. Use fish stock instead of chicken broth and add lemon juice for brightness.
Cheesy Garlic Pasta
Mix in a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese along with the heavy cream for a cheesier, creamier dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving.
Mediterranean Pasta
Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair. Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthier options.
Herb-Infused Pasta
Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, cilantro, or dill to give a fresh twist to the dish, enhancing the flavor profile significantly.
