Introduction
This Creamy Beef and Tomato Pasta is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheddar cheese in a creamy base. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 400g ground beef (14 oz)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 60g butter (4 tbsp)
- 200g pasta (7 oz)
- 1/2 tsp oregano (1g)
- 1 tsp basil (2g)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (2g)
- 1 tbsp flour (8g)
- 1 cup pasta water (240ml)
- 2 cups tomato sauce (480ml)
- 1 cup cream (240ml)
- 100g cheddar cheese (3.5 oz), shredded
- 1/3 tsp salt (2g)
- 1/3 tsp black pepper (2g)
- Parsley (to taste), chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil (45ml)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil: In a large pan, heat 3 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the beef: Add 400g of ground beef to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 9 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Onion and Garlic
- Fry the onion and garlic: In the same pan, melt 60g of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add spices and flour: Stir in 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes. Add 1 tbsp of flour and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta: Cook 200g of pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Combine liquids: Add the reserved pasta water, 2 cups of tomato sauce, and 1 cup of cream to the onion mixture. Stir well and cook over low heat until the sauce begins to thicken, about 10 minutes.
- Add cheese and beef: Stir in the cooked ground beef and 100g of shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the beef is evenly distributed. Season with 1/3 tsp salt and 1/3 tsp black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Garnish the pasta with chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve the creamy beef and tomato pasta hot. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Ensure the pasta is al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Season the beef: Adjust the seasoning of the beef with salt and pepper during cooking for added flavor.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can enhance the flavor if you have them on hand.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Tomato Pasta is an easy, quick, and incredibly tasty dish that will please everyone at the dinner table. With its rich and creamy sauce, flavorful beef, and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious pasta!
