Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This easy fettuccine and ground beef recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a delicious homemade dinner. This recipe combines the classic comfort of ground beef with the delightful texture of fettuccine, creating a satisfying and healthy meal the whole family will love. It’s a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on taste or quality.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular, your preference)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 5: Combine and Serve: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Fettuccine and Ground Beef:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- If you like mushrooms, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end.
- Don't overcook the pasta; al dente is the key to a perfect texture.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled vegetarian ground beef or lentils for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheesy: Add a layer of mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy, bubbly finish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fat: 15-20g
This easy fettuccine and ground beef recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great example of delicious dishes that are both easy to make and healthy. Enjoy!