Fusilli with minced meat

Fusilli with minced meat and delicious sauce: a simple and comforting recipe

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love a plate of savory pasta that brings the comfort of home? The recipe for fusilli with minced meat and tomato sauce is perfect for those days when you have a handful of minced meat and some vegetables in the fridge. This recipe will not only satisfy your hunger but is also a great way to use leftover ingredients, transforming them into a delicious dish.

Recipe history

Pasta has been a staple food in many cultures, and the combination of meat with tomato sauces is a culinary tradition appreciated worldwide. Today's recipe is a modern reinterpretation of this classic, which can be adapted and personalized according to individual preferences.

Necessary ingredients

To prepare these fusilli with minced meat, you will need the following ingredients:
- 250 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 250 g fusilli pasta (or any other type of pasta you prefer)
- 1/4 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small stalk of celery, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 can of whole tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for a more intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, for a creamy sauce)
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Olive oil
- Salt, to taste

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of your sauce. Make sure you have everything prepared before you start cooking.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent.

3. Adding the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes over the vegetables and mix well. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce.

4. Including the meat: Add the minced meat to the skillet, stirring continuously to break it up. Cook everything for 5-7 minutes until the meat is fully cooked.

5. Enriching the sauce: At this point, add the finely chopped mushrooms, bay leaf, oregano, and salt to taste. Pour in a cup of water and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Finalizing the sauce: When the meat is well cooked, add the two tablespoons of tomato paste and mix. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve a teaspoon of cornstarch in a little water and add it to the skillet, stirring continuously. Turn off the heat and add the fresh parsley and sour cream if using.

7. Boiling the pasta: In a separate pot, boil salted water with a little oil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes. When al dente, drain well.

8. Serving: Plate the pasta and pour the meat sauce on top. If desired, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream and, for an extra flavor, more fresh parsley on top.

Useful tips

- Vary the ingredients: You can add other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, or even grated cheese on top for a richer taste.
- For a more aromatic sauce: Add spices like basil or rosemary, which pair perfectly with tomato-based sauces.
- Thickening the sauce: If you don't have cornstarch, you can use flour or simply let the sauce simmer a little longer to reduce.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is a healthier option and pairs very well with this sauce.

2. How can I store leftovers?
Fusilli with minced meat store well in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze individual portions. Make sure the sauce is well cooked and cooled before putting it in airtight containers.

4. What can I pair this dish with?
Fusilli with minced meat go excellently with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. You can also serve a glass of red wine or a cold lemonade for a perfect meal.

Nutritional benefits

This dish offers a good combination of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the pasta, and vitamins from the vegetables. It is a balanced and nutritious meal, ideal for a family dinner or to impress friends.

Calories

A serving of fusilli with minced meat has approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream and the type of meat used.

In conclusion, this recipe for fusilli with minced meat is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and versatile. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, it will surely be a hit. Experiment with the ingredients and don't forget to enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!