Pasta with Meat Sauce

Pasta with Meat Sauce Recipe from Dominican Republic

Region / culture: Dominican Republic | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pasta with meat sauce is a classic and comforting dish that is loved by many. The combination of tender pasta and savory meat sauce is a winning combination that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Pasta with meat sauce has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Italy, where pasta is a popular ingredient in many dishes. The meat sauce, also known as ragu, is typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of spaghetti or fettuccine
2 lb (907 g) of ground beef
8 very ripe tomatoes, sliced
1 small red onion, diced into small cubes
2 tbsp of olive oil
2 red peppers
1 pinch of oregano
black pepper
salt

How to prepare

Place the ground beef in a bowl and mix in the onion. Add a pinch of oregano, a pinch of pepper, and a teaspoon of salt.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a shallow pan. Add the ground beef and stir to ensure even cooking. Pour in two tablespoons of water and add the tomatoes. Allow it to simmer over low heat. Adjust the amount of water as needed.
Once the meat is cooked, allow the liquid to evaporate and thicken into a sauce. Adjust the salt according to taste. Turn off the heat and set aside.
Boil the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, top it with the beef sauce and serve immediately.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.

- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pasta with meat sauce with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti or penne.

- Substitute diced canned tomatoes for fresh tomatoes if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

The meat sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pasta with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the pasta with meat sauce with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pasta with meat sauce contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

The fettuccine in this recipe provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy production in the body.

Fats

The olive oil used in this recipe provides healthy fats that are important for heart health and overall well-being.

Proteins

The ground beef in this recipe is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

The tomatoes in the sauce provide a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and other essential minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and may contain allergens from the ground beef.

Summary

Pasta with meat sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Pasta with meat sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful meal that will please the whole family. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a simple yet delicious dish that combined two of my favorite things: pasta and meat sauce. I knew I had to learn how to make it, and I was determined to make it the best I possibly could.

I first came across the recipe for Pasta with Meat Sauce when I was a young girl visiting my aunt in Italy. She was a phenomenal cook, and I always loved watching her work her magic in the kitchen. One day, she decided to teach me how to make this classic dish that she had learned from her own mother.

As we gathered the ingredients and started cooking, I was mesmerized by the sights and smells that filled the kitchen. The rich aroma of garlic and onions sizzling in the pan, the sound of the meat sizzling as it browned, and the sight of the tomatoes simmering and thickening into a rich sauce. It was like a symphony of flavors and textures coming together in perfect harmony.

My aunt patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, showing me how to season the meat, how to sauté the vegetables, and how to simmer the sauce until it was thick and flavorful. She also taught me the importance of tasting as I cooked, adjusting the seasonings as needed to ensure the dish was perfectly balanced.

After hours of cooking and simmering, the Pasta with Meat Sauce was finally ready. I eagerly twirled a forkful of pasta onto my plate, topped it with a generous ladle of sauce, and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the savory meat, the tangy tomatoes, the sweet onions, and the aromatic herbs all coming together in a symphony of taste.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I knew that I had to make this dish for my family and friends, to share the delicious flavors that had captivated me. Over the years, I honed my skills and perfected the recipe, adding my own twists and techniques to make it truly my own.

I learned new tips and tricks from friends and neighbors, each adding their own flair to the classic recipe. Some added red wine for depth of flavor, others added a touch of cream for added richness. I experimented with different types of pasta – spaghetti, fettuccine, penne – to see which worked best with the hearty meat sauce.

But no matter how many variations I tried, the original recipe that I learned from my aunt remained my favorite. It was comfort food at its finest, a dish that never failed to bring a smile to the faces of those who tasted it.

As I grew older and had children of my own, I passed down the recipe for Pasta with Meat Sauce to them. I taught them the same techniques and tricks that my aunt had taught me, instilling in them a love for cooking and a respect for tradition.

Now, as a grandmother, I continue to make Pasta with Meat Sauce for my family and friends. It is a dish that never fails to bring us together, to create memories and moments that will last a lifetime.

And as I watch my grandchildren twirl their forks and savor each bite, I know that the legacy of this recipe will live on for generations to come. It is a simple yet delicious dish that has the power to bring people together, to create bonds and memories that will last a lifetime.

I am grateful for the day that I first saw the recipe for Pasta with Meat Sauce, for it opened up a world of flavors and experiences that have enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined. With each bite, I am transported back to that kitchen in Italy, watching my aunt work her magic and feeling the warmth and love that come from sharing a meal with those you love.

And so, I will continue to cook this dish for as long as I am able, passing down the recipe and the memories that come with it to future generations. For in the end, it is not just a recipe for pasta with meat sauce – it is a recipe for love, for family, and for the joy of cooking and sharing a meal with those you hold dear.