Are you craving a delicious and easy-to-make Italian red sauce pasta recipe? Look no further! This classic dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it to your taste by adjusting the ingredients and seasonings. For example, if you prefer a spicier sauce, add some chili flakes or red pepper flakes. Or, if you want a richer flavor, use a combination of beef and pork mince in place of just beef mince.
To make your own Italian red sauce pasta, you’ll need a few basic ingredients and some simple equipment. Once you have everything you need, follow the steps below and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients and Equipment
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound of pasta (any type you like)
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
– 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce
– 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
**Equipment:**
– Large pot or Dutch oven (for cooking the pasta and sauce)
– Colander (for draining the pasta)
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Mixing bowls
– Wooden spoon (for stirring the sauce)
– Stovetop or oven (for cooking)
How to Make Italian Red Sauce Pasta
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef in a separate skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a thicker sauce.
5. Once the sauce has simmered, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook until the pasta is heated through.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or crusty bread.
Tips or Possible Variations
– For a vegetarian version of this recipe, use crumbled tofu or tempeh in place of the ground beef.
– If you don’t have any crushed tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes instead. Just be sure to crush them with a fork or potato masher before adding them to the sauce.
– For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the sauce after it has simmered for at least 30 minutes.
– Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
This Italian red sauce pasta recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic Italian dish. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender pasta, it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So next time you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
