Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the sauce:
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop the flavor.
- Add the diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the pasta and beef:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ground beef and sauce. Stir everything together to coat the pasta in the beefy tomato mixture.
- Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and stir to melt it into the pasta.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Optional Add-ins:
- For extra richness, stir in 1/2 cup of ricotta or cream cheese before serving.
- You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce for more flavor and nutrition.
This simple Pasta and Ground Beef is great on its own or as a base for baked pasta dishes, stuffed shells, or layered casseroles!