Name: Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 pound spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor)
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Sauce Preparation

Sautéing the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. You want to avoid browning them too much at this stage, as that can impart a slightly bitter flavor. Gentle sautéing brings out their natural sweetness.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can also taste bitter. Stir constantly until you can smell its pungent aroma.

Browning the Beef and Simmering the Sauce

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor in the sauce.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. The tomato paste is a flavor enhancer, adding a rich, concentrated tomato taste. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. During this simmering period, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The sauce should be rich, savory, and well-balanced.

Cooking the Pasta

Boiling the Spaghetti

While the sauce is simmering, prepare your pasta. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Don’t be shy with the salt; it’s the only chance you have to season the pasta itself.
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Stir the pasta immediately to prevent it from sticking together. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. For most spaghetti, this will be around 8-10 minutes.
Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold! It can be used to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick or to help the sauce cling better to the pasta. Drain the remaining water from the pasta.

Combining and Serving

Tossing and Finishing

Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pot of simmering sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that every strand of pasta is coated in the delicious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Continue tossing until the sauce and cheese are well incorporated and slightly creamy.
Serve the spaghetti immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. This dish is best enjoyed hot, allowing all the flavors to shine.

Conclusion:

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Frequently Asked Questions:

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