Pasta with Meat Sauce

Written By Alex Washesky

Description

Pasta with meat sauce is an easy and popular meal across the US. For many, this was a weekly meal in school lunch cafeterias, served with either spaghetti or rotini. Growing up, my school always served rotini with meat sauce, so that is what I used for this recipe. The meat sauce recipe is very straightforward, and I’ve done my best to replicate the overall flavor profile (although I promise this version is much better than what they used to serve us in the school cafeteria). I couldn’t find much on the history of this dish in the US, but it could be assumed that this sauce was influenced by Italian bolognese sauce, which is made with ground meat and tomato. This dish would never pass as bolognese for any native Italian, but is nonetheless delicious and uniquely American.

Ingredients

  • Rotini or any short pasta

  • Grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 lb. ground beef

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 tbsp sugar

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1/2 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • Salt & pepper

Preparation

  • Heat a nonstick pan over high heat and add the olive oil. Add the ground beef and spread evenly on the pan. Allow to cook for 5-6 minutes undisturbed so that the bottom is able to brown. Using a spoon, break up the meat into small pieces and continue to cook. After another 5 minutes or so of cooking, the meat should start sizzling and browning in the pan. Stir the meat occasionally until it is all evenly browned. Turn off the heat and set aside.

  • In a pot, add some of the grease from the beef or additional olive oil. Heat over medium high and add the onion and season with a pinch of salt to draw out the moisture. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the beef, tomato, sugar and basil to the pot and stir. Fill the tomato can half way with water and add to the pot. Turn the heat to high, bring to a simmer, then turn the heat to low and cook for 30 minutes. Then season to taste with salt & pepper.

  • Boil the pasta per the package directions and drain. To serve, add the pasta to a bowl or plate and then top with a large spoonful of the meat sauce. Top with grated parmesan cheese and enjoy.

Notes

  • You can also add ground Italian sausage and brown it along with the beef mixture.

  • Feel free to add other seasonings such as red pepper flakes, dried oregano or dried Italian seasoning.

Alex Washesky
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