Meat Sauce With Pasta
This warm and comforting basic meat sauce recipe with pasta is a healthy, delicious classic (more or less healthy depending on your choice of pasta) and quick enough for weekday meals. Serve with arugula and balsamic vinaigrette.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 16 oz pasta of choice I love "Chickapea" brand pasta elbows
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 2 lbs ground red meat lamb or beef
- 1 tbs oregano
- 1 small yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- Optional: grated parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Before all else, fill up a pot of water and put it on the stovetop on high (add salt to the water if you like). In a large separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- NOTE: Skip this step if using jarred marinara While the oil is heating up, chop the onion and mince the garlic. Add the onion and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook about 10-20 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the ground meat to the pan, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon or spatula. Season with oregano, salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 5–10 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or 4 cups jarred marinara), stirring to combine everything. By now the pasta water should be boiling, so add in the pasta and set your timer according to package instructions. Reduce the heat to low on the meat sauce and let it simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Drain your pasta when it's ready then return it to the pot. Taste the meat sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the meat sauce neatly over the pasta, or mix it all together in the large pasta pot. Garnish with grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar.
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
If you're using jarred marinara, skip the onions, garlic and crushed tomatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Meat Sauce With Pasta
Amount per Serving
Calories
506
% Daily Value*
Fat
27
g
42
%
Saturated Fat
10
g
63
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
13
g
Cholesterol
147
mg
49
%
Sodium
413
mg
18
%
Potassium
1357
mg
39
%
Carbohydrates
17
g
6
%
Fiber
5
g
21
%
Sugar
10
g
11
%
Protein
49
g
98
%
Vitamin A
448
IU
9
%
Vitamin C
20
mg
24
%
Calcium
121
mg
12
%
Iron
8
mg
44
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.