Pasta with minced meat

Ground Meat Pasta - A Delicious and Quick Recipe for Busy Days

When it comes to quick and tasty dishes, ground meat pasta is always an inspired choice. This simple and flavorful recipe will bring a smile to your face and turn an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced gourmet, the following steps will guide you to achieve a perfect result!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

- 1 package of pasta (500 g) – you can use spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or any other preferred type
- 500 g ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or a mix)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 cup of tomato juice or 4 large tomatoes, peeled and grated
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Thyme, to taste
- Basil, fresh or dried, to preference
- Olive oil, for sautéing

Brief history

Pasta is a staple food in many cultures around the world, with a history dating back thousands of years. The combination with ground meat adds extra flavor and texture, while also being an effective way to utilize available ingredients. This recipe blends tradition and innovation, offering a dish that can be adapted to individual tastes.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Finely chop the onion, grate the carrot, and chop the garlic. This is an important step as it will help you save time during cooking. Boil water for the pasta and add salt.

2. Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden. This will add a special flavor to your sauce.

3. Adding the meat
Once the vegetables are ready, add the ground meat to the pan. Use a spatula to break up the meat so that it cooks evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add half a cup of water to help the meat cook well and cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

4. Preparing the sauce
After the meat has simmered, add the garlic, tomato juice, thyme, and basil. Place the lid back on and let the sauce simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to develop and mix perfectly.

5. Boiling the pasta
Meanwhile, when the water has started to boil, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Make sure they are cooked al dente. Once the pasta is ready, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

6. Mixing the pasta with the sauce
Add the pasta to the pan with the meat sauce and mix well to coat them evenly. Let them cook on low heat for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

7. Serving
Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan or fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for a more intense flavor.

Practical tips

- Vegetable option: If you want to add a touch of health, you can include vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms in the sauce. These will add not only nutrients but also an interesting texture.

- Types of meat: You can experiment with different types of ground meat. A mix of beef and pork offers a rich flavor, while chicken is a lighter option.

- Gluten-free pasta: If you follow a gluten-free diet, opt for rice or vegetable-based pasta, such as zucchini noodles.

Frequently asked questions

- What type of pasta is best for this recipe? You can use any type of pasta, but those with a shape that captures the sauce, such as penne or fusilli, are ideal.

- Can I prepare the sauce in advance? Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can reheat it before adding it to the pasta.

- What can I do with leftovers? If you have leftover pasta, you can use it the next day for a delicious salad, adding fresh vegetables and an olive oil dressing.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This ground meat pasta recipe contains approximately 600-700 calories per serving, depending on the type of meat and pasta used. Ground meat is an excellent source of protein, and the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. By adding herbs, you not only enhance the flavor but also increase the antioxidant intake.

Possible variations

- Pasta with white sauce: You can transform the recipe into a white sauce variant by adding cream or ricotta cheese at the end.

- Adding wine: A splash of white or red wine in the sauce can add depth of flavor. Let it simmer until the alcohol evaporates.

- Spicy sauce: If you like spicy food, you can add chili flakes or a hot sauce to the meat sauce.

This ground meat pasta is not only delicious but also versatile, giving you the opportunity to experiment with your favorite ingredients. So, on days when you're out of ideas or simply in a hurry, this quick recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!