Hello everyone! Today, I’m sharing a fantastic spaghetti and meat recipe that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner. This recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, making it ideal for busy days. Let’s dive into the details and create a meal that will surely become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
- 250 grams of spaghetti
- Enough water to cook the pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt (for the pasta water)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning the meat)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 200 grams tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 100 milliliters water
Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a teaspoon of salt and a drizzle of olive oil to the boiling water to enhance the flavor and prevent the pasta from sticking. Add 250 grams of spaghetti to the pot and cook it for about 10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
2. Preparing the Meat Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat a little olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add 500 grams of ground beef and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through.
3. Adding Aromatics: Once the beef is cooked, add half an onion (finely chopped) and three cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Seasoning the Meat: Next, add three tablespoons of tomato paste, one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, one teaspoon of paprika, and one teaspoon of oregano to the pan. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the meat is well coated with the seasonings.
5. Creating the Sauce: Pour 200 grams of tomato sauce over the seasoned meat. Add one tablespoon of sugar and 100 milliliters of water. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the sauce a more rounded flavor.
6. Simmering the Sauce: Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. This step ensures the meat absorbs the flavors of the sauce and seasonings.
7. Combining the Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the meat sauce. Stir everything well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
8. Serving: Your spaghetti and meat dish is now ready to be served. This recipe is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The rich red sauce against the pale spaghetti creates a mouthwatering sight.
Tips for Perfect Spaghetti and Meat:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion enhance the flavor of the sauce significantly. Fresh herbs like oregano can also be used for a more robust flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) ensures it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
- Balance the Flavors: Adding a bit of sugar to the sauce helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, making the sauce more palatable.
Why This Recipe Stands Out:
This spaghetti and meat recipe stands out for its simplicity and rich flavor. Using common ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. It’s perfect for family meals, and the leftovers taste just as good the next day.
I hope you enjoyed this spaghetti and meat recipe. It’s a simple, delicious, and hearty meal that will surely become a staple in your home. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you tried. Your feedback and creativity make cooking even more enjoyable.