Indulge your taste buds with a classic Italian dish that promises to transport you straight to the charming streets of Italy! Our Fettuccine and Meat Sauce recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors, hearty textures, and the warmth of home-cooked goodness. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can whip up a delightful dinner that serves four, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this dish is sure to impress. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon.
- Cook the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté with the beef for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent.
- Mince garlic and add to the beef and onion mixture. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low and let the meat sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Drain the cooked fettuccine in a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Transfer fettuccine to a serving platter and top with the prepared meat sauce.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To ensure your fettuccine is cooked to perfection, always follow the package instructions for timing. Al dente pasta has the best texture and will hold up well against the meat sauce.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce after browning the beef. Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the crushed tomatoes.
- Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs can elevate your sauce significantly. If you have basil or parsley on hand, sprinkle some in just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, reserve some of the pasta water before draining the fettuccine. Add a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Cheese Galore: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan! Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for that authentic Italian touch.
- Leftover Magic: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extra meat sauce in the fridge for up to three days, and it can be easily reheated for a quick meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 442kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg